DISPENSE Synonyms: 60 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of dispense are deal , distribute , divide , and dole out . While all these words mean "to give out, usually in shares, to each member of a group," 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: Where would 'deal' be a reasonable alternative to 'dispense'?

While the synonyms deal and dispense are close in meaning, deal emphasizes the allotment of something piece by piece. // deal out equipment and supplies

Q: When can 'distribute' be used instead of 'dispense'?

In some situations, the words distribute and dispense are roughly equivalent. However, distribute implies an apportioning by separation of something into parts, units, or amounts. // distributed food to the needy

Q: When would 'divide' be a good substitute for 'dispense'?

The words divide and dispense can be used in similar contexts, but 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 'dole out' a more appropriate choice than 'dispense'?

The words dole out and dispense are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, dole out implies a carefully measured portion of something that is often in short supply. // doled out what little food there was

dispense

verb

di-ˈspen(t)s

Definition of dispense next

as in to distribute

to give out (something) to appropriate individuals a conscientious pharmacist never dispenses pills to people without assurances that they understand the instructions

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb dispense differ from other similar words?

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

Where would deal be a reasonable alternative to dispense?

While the synonyms deal and dispense are close in meaning, deal emphasizes the allotment of something piece by piece.

deal out equipment and supplies

When can distribute be used instead of dispense?

In some situations, the words distribute and dispense are roughly equivalent. However, distribute implies an apportioning by separation of something into parts, units, or amounts.

distributed food to the needy

When would divide be a good substitute for dispense?

The words divide and dispense can be used in similar contexts, but divide stresses the separation of a whole into parts and implies that the parts are equal.

three charitable groups divided the proceeds

When is dole out a more appropriate choice than dispense?

The words dole out and dispense are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 dispense The meat, the traditional centerpiece of the Thanksgiving meal, is not only dispensed by the rescue mission to agencies and charities in the county, but directly to residents at rural locations, including Eldersburg, Finksburg, Taneytown and Union Bridge. —

Sherry Greenfield, Baltimore Sun, 28 Nov. 2024 That was only possible because of significant action taken by the Food and Drug Administration during the pandemic, which allowed the pills to be dispensed via telemedicine. —

Aria Bendix, NBC News, 26 Nov. 2024 It’s precisely calibrated to dispense 1 gram (0.04 ounces) of oil per spray. —

Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 29 Nov. 2024 Then came the biggest change: In 2021, the FDA eliminated the requirement to dispense mifepristone in person. —

Aria Bendix, NBC News, 26 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for dispense

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dispense

Verb

Their plan is to distribute Thomas Pink internationally, open stand-alone stores in key markets such as the U.S. and the U.K., and offer shirts at prices that fall between Charles Tyrwhitt and Eton.

Samantha Conti, WWD, 10 Dec. 2024
It’s distributed nationally for $34.99 through Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits.

Toria Sheffield, People.com, 10 Dec. 2024