DEAL Synonyms: 339 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'deal' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of deal are dispense , distribute , divide , and dole out . While all these words mean "to give out, usually in shares, to each member of a group," deal emphasizes the allotment of something piece by piece. // deal out equipment and supplies

Q: When could 'dispense' be used to replace 'deal'?

In some situations, the words dispense and deal are roughly equivalent. However, 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

Q: When is 'distribute' a more appropriate choice than 'deal'?

Although the words distribute and deal have much in common, distribute implies an apportioning by separation of something into parts, units, or amounts. // distributed food to the needy

Q: When can 'divide' be used instead of 'deal'?

The words divide and deal are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, divide stresses the separation of a whole into parts and implies that the parts are equal. // three charitable groups divided the proceeds

Q: When is it sensible to use 'dole out' instead of 'deal'?

The synonyms dole out and deal are sometimes interchangeable, but dole out implies a carefully measured portion of something that is often in short supply. // doled out what little food there was

deal 1 of 3

noun (1)

Definition of deal next

as in ton

a considerable amount there is a great deal of waste in government

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

deal

2 of 3

noun (2)

as in agreement

an arrangement about action to be taken we made a deal to cooperate on the next assignment

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in sale

the transfer of ownership of something from one person to another for a price we closed the deal for the house last week

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in contract

a formal agreement to fulfill an obligation if the other party backs out of the deal after it's signed, you can sue

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as in situation

position with regard to conditions and circumstances we don't yet know what the deal is with the new manager

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as in bargain

something bought or offered for sale at a desirable price that mail-order sweater isn't such a great deal after you factor in the cost of shipping and handling

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

deal

3 of 3

verb

ˈdēl

as in to trade

to carry on the business of buying and selling goods or other property that store deals in used furniture

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to negotiate

to talk over or dispute the terms of a purchase you're going to have to learn how to deal if you want to buy a car at a fair price

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb deal differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of deal are dispense, distribute, divide, and dole out. While all these words mean "to give out, usually in shares, to each member of a group," deal emphasizes the allotment of something piece by piece.

deal out equipment and supplies

When could dispense be used to replace deal?

In some situations, the words dispense and deal are roughly equivalent. However, 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

When is distribute a more appropriate choice than deal?

Although the words distribute and deal have much in common, distribute implies an apportioning by separation of something into parts, units, or amounts.

distributed food to the needy

When can divide be used instead of deal?

The words divide and deal are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, divide stresses the separation of a whole into parts and implies that the parts are equal.

three charitable groups divided the proceeds

When is it sensible to use dole out instead of deal?

The synonyms dole out and deal are sometimes interchangeable, but dole out implies a carefully measured portion of something that is often in short supply.

doled out what little food there was

Examples 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 deal

Noun

Keep scrolling to shop the best deals happening this weekend on fashion and home staples. —

Nicol Natale, People.com, 17 Jan. 2025 And the luggage deals don’t stop here, though — keep reading for more. —

Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 17 Jan. 2025

Verb

President Biden, in his own comments on Wednesday, touted the ceasefire deal as a major win reached during his final days in the White House. —

Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Jan. 2025 Biggby Coffee's 50% off bagel sandwiches deal Biggby Coffee, which has more than 200 stores across the U.S., on National Bagel Day will have a deal for 50% off bagel sandwiches at participating locations. —

Mike Snider, USA TODAY, 15 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for deal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for deal

Verb

Stroman could end up getting traded, as the Yankees look to reduce the payroll hit of retaining the veteran on an $18 million contract.

Chris Kirschner, The Athletic, 6 Jan. 2025
That means Los Angeles will likely look to trade one of these infielders with the most likely one to go being Gavin Lux.

Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 6 Jan. 2025

Definition of trade

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“Deal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deal. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.

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Last Updated: 20 Jan 2025 - Updated example sentences

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Synonyms of deal

noun (1)

noun (2)

verb

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