Synonyms of dispense

dispense

verb

di-ˈspen(t)s 

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

• distribute
• provide
• administer
• allocate
• supply
• divide
• assign
• portion
• apportion
• donate
• furnish
• deal (out)
• prorate
• hand out
• share
• dole out
• parcel (out)
• mete (out)
• contribute
• disburse
• split
• spread
• circulate
• redistribute
• disseminate
• appropriate
• allot
• issue
• proportion
• bestow
• ration
• allow
• measure (out)
• share (out)
• lot
• disperse
• set
• scatter
• part
• pledge
• admeasure
• dish out
• divvy (up)
• reallocate
• reapportion
• chip in
• dollop (out)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• refuse
• deny
• withhold
• reject
• disallow
• deprive (of)
• decline
• begrudge
• misallocate
• pinch
• stint
• skimp
• niggle (out)

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of dispense

The ham sandwiches, pudding skins, tuna crackers, and, yes, fried bologna were dispensed with a smile and the deep satisfaction of a parent making a child happy. —Robert Klose, Christian Science Monitor, 1 May 2025

That unit dispenses prescriptions in CVS’ more than 9,000 retail pharmacies and provides other pharmacy services, such as vaccinations and diagnostic testing. —Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 1 May 2025

The plaintiffs are asking the court to force HHS to dispense Title X to the 16 groups that have had their grant money withheld and pay the NFPRHA and the ACLU’s legal fees associated with filing the lawsuit. —The Hill, 24 Apr. 2025

The Justice Department filed its original lawsuit against the national drugstore chain on Jan. 16, claiming that Walgreens dispensed unlawful prescriptions and then sought reimbursement for the drugs from Medicare and other federal health care programs. —Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 21 Apr. 2025