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 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 An IndyStar analysis found that more than $100 million worth of awards were doled out to those organizations while Roberts played an instrumental role in choosing funding recipients at the IEDC. Hayleigh Colombo, IndyStar, 25 Sep. 2025 Nick Benz-Bushling doles out Johnathan's medications. Kate Snow, NBC news, 25 Sep. 2025 Historically, these visas — 85,000 per year — have been doled out through a lottery system. Barbara Ortutay, Twin Cities, 19 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dole out
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dole out
Verb
  • Gently shake the bag to distribute the scent over all the mix.
    Cody Godwin, USA Today, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Blackman distributed ballots and ballot boxes throughout the shelters and Cincinnati's libraries to collect nominations and votes.
    Elizabeth B. Kim, Cincinnati Enquirer, 6 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Toward a quantum internet Like a vending machine, a quantum light source must dispense one, and only one, photon at a time.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Here, Rodon impressively dispenses with both Truffert and Tyler Adams to free himself for the incoming corner.
    Beren Cross, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Numbers provided by Cincinnati Public Schools show that the school district had 4,326 homeless students last year, representing a 77% increase from a decade prior, despite total student enrollment increasing by only 538 students over the same period of time.
    Elizabeth B. Kim, Cincinnati Enquirer, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Green Hill plans to help restart Smith Springs financially, provide manpower for physical work and could potentially have some of its congregants move to Smith Springs Baptist, officials said.
    Andy Humbles, Nashville Tennessean, 6 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The Academy Awards were first handed out nearly 100 years ago; the Emmys more than 75 years ago; and the Grammys handed out their first gold gramophone in 1959.
    Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2025
  • In earnest style, Safdie has been literally handing out flyers to his movie for a while in Manhattan.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 4 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Wide receiver The Dolphins allocated Tyreek Hill’s snaps primarily to Nick Westbrook-Ikhine (39) and Malik Washington (32) and also used more two tight end sets.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 6 Oct. 2025
  • The company’s model allocates a smaller share of billings to back-office operations than many traditional firms, allowing recruiters to retain a larger portion themselves.
    Matt Emma, USA Today, 6 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • See how commonwealth compares to other states The classic Halloween symbol is also great at dividing the masses.
    Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Taiwan’s tender architecture is divided into two parts for 2026 and 2027.
    Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 1 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 9 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on dole out

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