DOLING OUT Synonyms: 61 Similar and Opposite Words

doling out

verb

present participle of dole out

as in distributing

to give out (something) to appropriate individuals she doles out office supplies as if she were paying for them out of her own pocket

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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 doling out While other kids his age were doling out loot bags stuffed with Bazooka bubble gum and slap bracelets, Lovett was recording his favorite music on cassette tapes as party favors. — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 25 July 2026 Still, Ocasio-Cortez has been far more cautious than Sanders in doling out endorsements this cycle and has gone to greater lengths to avoid friction with her colleagues in the House. — David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 19 July 2026 Food and drink Days here start at Rice Kitchen, the all-day diner doling out breakfasts of avocado toast with roast tomatoes and white asparagus, and fruit- and flower-topped little bowls of yogurt from Da Lat. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2026 But doling out in the realm of $30 million for three years to change leadership on the bench does not compare to these tax payments. — Fred Katz, New York Times, 26 June 2026 More than 1,000 Amazon shoppers snapped up the pants in the past month alone, doling out hundreds of five-star ratings in the process. — Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 23 June 2026 Leavenworth With its Bavarian-style architecture, mountain views, and taverns doling out steins of German beer and traditional dishes like käsespätzle, this small town in central Washington evokes an Alpine village. — Zoe Baillargeon, Travel + Leisure, 20 June 2026 Because, despite the company’s anthropomorphized desk-lamp logo, these movies aren’t doling out self-awareness to stuff all willy-nilly. — Alison Willmore, Vulture, 18 June 2026 Right now there is nothing stopping them from doling out tax cuts and spending promises while also driving up interest rates. — Martha Gimbel, The Atlantic, 12 June 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for doling out

Verb

Prosecutors have also had luck securing convictions by working with the Department of Justice to file federal charges for distributing fentanyl that later results in death.

— Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 25 July 2026
Listening to earthquake victims For de Belleroche, WCK’s work goes beyond preparing and distributing meals.

— Sonia Osorio, Miami Herald, 24 July 2026

Definition of distributing

Verb

Again and again, Hartig’s GOP interlocutors seemed to be operating from a definition of a museum that sees its role as dispensing propaganda.

— Kelsey Ables, The Atlantic, 23 July 2026
Financial advisers aren't just dispensing help on investments and padding a nest egg anymore.

— Medora Lee, USA Today, 18 July 2026

Definition of dispensing

Verb

At age 12, Collinson ran his first mile for Running 4 Heroes, a nonprofit that honors, through one-mile runs, first responders and K9s injured or killed in the line of duty, while also providing support through fundraising and community initiatives.

— Elijah Megginson, AJC.com, 31 July 2026
Jewelry giant Pandora is supporting the 20th-anniversary gala at Danish Royal Opera, as well as the New Talent program, providing jewelry for Taus and Anne-Sofie Madsen, who are about to graduate from the scheme.

— Bella Webb, Vogue, 31 July 2026

Definition of providing

Verb

Jewely and clothing claim a significant portion of the spending in this market, with the average Indian allocating a massive chunk of their lifesavings for this one event.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 30 July 2026
How the MyFirstEV program works Newsom signed Senate Bill 168 into law this month allocating $135 million for the MyFirstEV program; the funding will be matched by 13 major automakers combined.

— Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026

Definition of allocating

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doles out

doling out

doll

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“Doling out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/doling%20out. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of doling out

verb

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