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 Now through September 1, indulge in trending ballet flats, chunky heels, and boots that appeared on the feet of your favorite stars and are sure to power every last one of your upcoming getups — doling out all-day comfort that will put your feet, and not only your wallet, at ease. Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 26 Aug. 2025 That’s because their national organizations, which pay for insurance on the expensive properties, never pulled their charters, opting instead to dole out their own discipline. Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 24 Aug. 2025 Coleman directed construction of a picnic grounds along his new rail line and doled out parcels. Dave Smith, Fortune, 24 Aug. 2025 Sure, Outlander or Blood of My Blood could pull some twisty time-travel shenanigans and make this happen, but this universe isn’t exactly known for doling out neat and tidy happily ever afters. Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 22 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dole out
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dole out
Verb
  • Fill a seed spreader with seed and use it to distribute seed evenly over your grass.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Amid enthusiasm for the decriminalization, Anutin himself announced in that same year his intention to distribute one million low-THC medical cannabis plants to households across the country.
    Dario Sabaghi, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Then hit the autofill button, and the nozzle lowers down to just over the rim of the glass and starts dispensing.
    PCMag Staff, PC Magazine, 5 Sep. 2025
  • From interactive games to snuffle mats and treat-dispensing toys, there are plenty of puzzles out there on the market.
    Kelsey Monstrola, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The triangular lights have a solar panel on the long, top side that generates power throughout the day to provide up to eight hours of lighting overnight.
    Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Dario Essugo and Andrey Santos (following his return from Strasbourg on loan) provide more options in midfield.
    James McNicholas, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Fans got an evening full of Moon Persons being handed out, show-stopping performances and plenty of surprises along the way — including a live f-bomb and touching family moment with the Osbournes.
    Stacy Lambe, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
  • That tension—the desire to be recognized and the discomfort in handing out compliments—was brought to life in a now-famous social experiment.
    Rick Burton, Sportico.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Lanning’s retort might be a sore spot for Gundy, whose contract was restructured in December after a dismal 3-9 season in 2024, with the $1 million savings reportedly being allocated toward the players.
    Jason Clinkscales, Sportico.com, 2 Sep. 2025
  • Rents and royalties are not eligible for the section 954(c)(6) exception to the extent the deductions for the rent or royalty payments are allocated and apportioned under section 882(c) and reg.
    Carrie Brandon Elliot, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • But if your peonies are flowering less over time or nearby plants are encroaching on their growing space, dividing them in fall is one simple solution.
    Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Every Democrat in the chamber supported the legislation while Republicans were evenly divided.
    Clara Hendrickson, Freep.com, 3 Sep. 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 Sep. 2025.

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