dole out

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb dole out differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of dole out are deal, dispense, distribute, and divide. While all these words mean "to give out, usually in shares, to each member of a group," dole out implies a carefully measured portion of something that is often in short supply.

doled out what little food there was

When is deal a more appropriate choice than dole out?

The words deal and dole out are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, deal emphasizes the allotment of something piece by piece.

deal out equipment and supplies

When might dispense be a better fit than dole out?

The words dispense and dole out can be used in similar contexts, but dispense suggests the giving of a carefully weighed or measured portion to each of a group according to due or need.

dispensed wisdom to the students

Where would distribute be a reasonable alternative to dole out?

While in some cases nearly identical to dole out, distribute implies an apportioning by separation of something into parts, units, or amounts.

distributed food to the needy

When would divide be a good substitute for dole out?

Although the words divide and dole out have much in common, divide stresses the separation of a whole into parts and implies that the parts are equal.

three charitable groups divided the proceeds

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of dole out The problem is that the show has far too many other threads to tie together and never quite knows how to dole out its many secrets, visions, and lies. Grace Byron, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2025 One major change is how the show will dole out introductions for each of its main characters. Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 1 Oct. 2025 Powered by TalkShopLive’s interactive platform, the event merged insightful, behind-the-scenes celebrity storytelling with step-by-step tutorials that could be replicated in an instant — simply by adding to cart the products mentioned by Nandy, with relevant anecdotes doled out by Berkley. Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2025 Pick from an assortment of delicious recipes doled out by a roster of sprightly locals, from apple strudel to Sacher-style chocolate gâteaux. Chloe Arrojado, AFAR Media, 26 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dole out
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dole out
Verb
  • The series is distributed worldwide by Fox Entertainment Global.
    Peter White, Deadline, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Payments are still distributed on a regular schedule during the shutdown.
    Melina Khan, USA Today, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Many hydrants failed to dispense water.
    Nancy Walecki, The Atlantic, 9 Oct. 2025
  • With a steady showing over the past six seasons, one rough year from the former Cy Young candidate shouldn't be enough to dispense the noise around him in the offseason.
    Hunter Mulholland, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Arrington provided several recommendations on how to acquire such a replica.
    Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 13 Oct. 2025
  • The governor vetoed a bill on Saturday that would have provided more transparency around the water usage of data centers, which regularly require millions of gallons of fresh water to cool their computers.
    Kate Wolffe, Sacbee.com, 12 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • When violations occur, numerous fines have been handed out this season, typically announced on Saturday evenings.
    Cole Sullivan, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Point guard James Harden had a quiet night scoring-wise with five points, but handed out 11 assists.
    Janis Carr, Oc Register, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Lawmakers proposed allocating additional disaster relief funds in the 2025 national budget, and international bodies, including the United Nations, have pledged support to the Philippine government.
    Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Lines allocate scarce resources by making people pay with time instead of money, thereby turning patience into a form of currency.
    Big Think, Big Think, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Discussions have been held about dividing Madrid’s football operations from their business operations and letting speculators invest in the latter — although how (or if) that would work in practice is a moot point.
    Phil Hay, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Most herbaceous perennials that spread or clump can flourish when divided every few years, such as hostas, coneflowers, daylilies, phlox, and bee balm.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 15 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Dole out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dole%20out. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

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