DISPOSE Synonyms: 93 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'dispose' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of dispose are bias , incline , and predispose . While all these words mean "to influence one to have or take an attitude toward something," dispose suggests an affecting of one's mood or temper so as to incline one toward something. // her nature disposes her to trust others

Q: When might 'bias' be a better fit than 'dispose'?

The synonyms bias and dispose are sometimes interchangeable, but bias suggests a settled and predictable leaning in one direction and connotes unfair prejudice. // the experience biased him against foreigners

Q: When can 'incline' be used instead of 'dispose'?

The words incline and dispose are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, incline implies a tendency to favor one of two or more actions or conclusions. // I incline to agree

Q: Where would 'predispose' be a reasonable alternative to 'dispose'?

Although the words predispose and dispose have much in common, predispose implies the operation of a disposing influence well in advance of the opportunity to manifest itself. // does fictional violence predispose them to accept real violence?

dispose

verb

di-ˈspōz

Definition of dispose next

as in to situate

to arrange something in a certain spot or position looking for the perfect spot to dispose the new knickknack

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to classify

to put into a particular arrangement disposed the surgical instruments in the exact order in which they would be needed

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word dispose different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of dispose are bias, incline, and predispose. While all these words mean "to influence one to have or take an attitude toward something," dispose suggests an affecting of one's mood or temper so as to incline one toward something.

her nature disposes her to trust others

When might bias be a better fit than dispose?

The synonyms bias and dispose are sometimes interchangeable, but bias suggests a settled and predictable leaning in one direction and connotes unfair prejudice.

the experience biased him against foreigners

When can incline be used instead of dispose?

The words incline and dispose are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, incline implies a tendency to favor one of two or more actions or conclusions.

I incline to agree

Where would predispose be a reasonable alternative to dispose?

Although the words predispose and dispose have much in common, predispose implies the operation of a disposing influence well in advance of the opportunity to manifest itself.

does fictional violence predispose them to accept real violence?

Example 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 dispose As a fight broke out in the players' dormitories, the group faked their deaths and lulled the pink guards sent to dispose of their bodies into a false sense of security. —

Esther Kang, People.com, 7 Jan. 2025 Solid waste customers can dispose of their live trees at the Northwest County or South County yard waste facility. —

Kathryn Varn, Axios, 7 Jan. 2025 But the regulation has met with stiff opposition among growers and local officials who contend costlier alternatives for disposing of waste impose a burden on California farmers and put them at a competitive disadvantage. —

Rebecca Plevin, Los Angeles Times, 3 Jan. 2025 Club chairman Dean Spanos moved quickly in disposing of coach Brandon Staley and general manager Tom Telesco the morning after the most dreadful four quarters in franchise history. —

Jay Paris, Forbes, 3 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for dispose

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dispose

Verb

The New York Times spoke to police officials in India who explained that Khan, 54, was stabbed multiple times before dawn at his house — situated in the wealthy Bandra neighborhood — on Thursday, January 16.

— Michael Gfoeller And David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025
The Caspian Sea is situated between Central Asia and the Middle East, bordering Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Iran, Russia and Turkmenistan.

— Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 16 Jan. 2025