dispense

verb

dis·​pense di-ˈspen(t)s 

dispensed; dispensing

transitive verb

1

a

: to divide and share out according to a plan : to deal out in portions

dispense food among the needy

b

: administer

dispense justice

2

: to exempt from a law or release from a vow, oath, or impediment : to give dispensation (see dispensation sense 2a) to : exempt

may dispense students from this requirement

3

: to prepare and distribute (medication)

dispensing pills to their patients

intransitive verb

archaic : to grant dispensation

Phrases

dispense with

1

: to set aside : discard

dispensing with the usual introduction

2

: to do without

could dispense with such a large staff

Synonyms

• administer
• allocate
• apportion
• deal (out)
• distribute
• dole out
• hand out
• mete (out)
• parcel (out)
• portion
• prorate

Choose the Right Synonym for dispense

distribute, dispense, divide, deal, dole out mean to give out, usually in shares, to each member of a group.

distribute implies an apportioning by separation of something into parts, units, or amounts.

distributed food to the needy

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

divide stresses the separation of a whole into parts and implies that the parts are equal.

three charitable groups divided the proceeds

deal emphasizes the allotment of something piece by piece.

deal out equipment and supplies

dole out implies a carefully measured portion of something that is often in short supply.

doled out what little food there was

Examples of dispense in a Sentence

The ATM only dispenses $20 bills.

a newspaper columnist who dispenses advice to millions of readers each week

Pharmacists are certified to dispense medication.

Recent Examples on the Web

After receiving free cans of Poppi dispensed from the aesthetic vending machines, many of the influencers documented their unboxing experiences for their large online followings. —Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025

That strategy resonated with Zaslow, who has used it to dispense with the newspapers and magazines that were accumulating on a bookshelf in her own home. —The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Jan. 2025

Zoom in: The latest report examines prices for all 51 specialty generic drugs dispensed over the five year period for which the commission had analyzable data, an FTC official told reporters Tuesday. —Maya Goldman, Axios, 14 Jan. 2025

De Breteuil sourced particularly strong heroin from Morocco, dispensing it to his high-profile clients around the world, including Courson — and subsequently, Morrison. —Makena Gera, People.com, 12 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Medieval Latin & Latin; Medieval Latin dispensare to exempt, from Latin, to distribute, from dis- + pensare to weigh, frequentative of pendere to weigh, pay out — more at spin

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Kids Definition

dispense

verb

dis·​pense dis-ˈpen(t)s 

dispensed; dispensing

1

a

: to give out in shares

dispense charity

b

: to give out as deserved

dispense justice

2

: to prepare and give out (medicines)

Medical Definition

dispense

transitive verb

dis·​pense dis-ˈpen(t)s 

dispensed; dispensing

1

: to put up (a prescription or medicine)

2

: to prepare and distribute (medication)