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 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 reports indicate that Congress members may also favor their alma maters when doling out earmarks. — Heather McCambly, The Conversation, 8 June 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for doling out

Verb

In the nation’s capital, DC Health is distributing masks to government personnel working outside, the department told CNN on Friday.

— Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
In a news release, McHenry County State’s Attorney Randi Freese discussed the mortal dangers of distributing fentanyl in the community.

— Ceci Urbanski, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2026

Definition of distributing

Verb

Financial advisers aren't just dispensing help on investments and padding a nest egg anymore.

— Medora Lee, USA Today, 18 July 2026
After the abuses of Watergate, DOJ refashioned itself to resist political interference by the White House in the name of dispensing impartial justice.

— Quinta Jurecic, The Atlantic, 16 July 2026

Definition of dispensing

Verb

They were pushed by the group on a Telegram channel dedicated to their activities, which include other marches and handing out Patriot Front flyers and stickers.

— Ali Breland, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026
The most aggressive people on the walk were the various religious groups—Scientologists, Christians—handing out literature, including a million-dollar bill that promised the path to heaven.

— Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 7 July 2026

Definition of handing out

Verb

Iranian resilience to the conflict is providing another example of the limits of American power.

— Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 17 July 2026
What began as a public hospital has evolved into one of the nation’s leading academic health systems — advancing groundbreaking research, educating generations of physicians and caregivers, and providing world-class care to patients.

— Pradeep Khosla, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 July 2026

Definition of providing

Verb

Envelope budgeting is a technique used to limit spending by allocating cash to specific spending categories, like dining out, shopping or groceries.

— Faith Wakefield, USA Today, 15 July 2026
Despite the City Council allocating $364 million, the Police Department still needs more funding to cover pending legal settlements, according to Lucas.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 14 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 24 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of doling out

verb

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