HANDING OUT Synonyms: 61 Similar and Opposite Words

handing out

verb

present participle of hand out

as in distributing

to give out (something) to appropriate individuals no system yet in place for handing out room assignments

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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 handing out The days of casually handing out nine-figure signing bonuses are likely over. — Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 30 July 2026 The Kansas City People’s Choice Awards has become more than a night for handing out trophies. — Kansas City Star, 28 July 2026 The camper suspected of handing out the laced food has been identified, authorities said. — Nicholas Rice, PEOPLE, 25 July 2026 When the conflict started in late February, companies in the region tried to retain staff by trimming pay and hours and handing out unpaid leave in the hope the disruption would soon pass. — Manal Albarakati, semafor.com, 22 July 2026 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 Now, 6% sounds like a lot, but remember that FUND has been hiking payouts for a decade now, and handing out big special dividends here and there, too (those are represented by the spikes in the chart above). — Michael Foster, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026 In Nashville, where temperatures could reach a high of 101 degrees and feel like 114, heat patrols began handing out cold bottled water to the city's homeless population during peak hours. — Kiki Intarasuwan, CBS News, 1 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for handing 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

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

Definition of doling out

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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handing on

handing out

handing over

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“Handing out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/handing%20out. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of handing out

verb

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