DISTRIBUTE Synonyms: 134 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of distribute are deal , dispense , divide , and dole out . While all these words 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

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

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

Q: In what contexts can 'dispense' take the place of 'distribute'?

The synonyms dispense and distribute are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 'divide' a more appropriate choice than 'distribute'?

In some situations, the words divide and distribute are roughly equivalent. However, divide stresses the separation of a whole into parts and implies that the parts are equal. // three charitable groups divided the proceeds

Q: When could 'dole out' be used to replace 'distribute'?

While in some cases nearly identical to distribute , dole out implies a carefully measured portion of something that is often in short supply. // doled out what little food there was

distribute

verb

di-ˈstri-byüt

Definition of distribute next

as in to classify

to arrange or assign according to type distribute the assignments according to seniority

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to allot

to give as a share or portion committed to distributing the school's limited scholarship money so that it benefits more students

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to dispense

to give out (something) to appropriate individuals distributed pamphlets on recycling to everyone in the neighborhood

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb distribute differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of distribute are deal, dispense, divide, and dole out. While all these words 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

When can deal be used instead of distribute?

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

deal out equipment and supplies

In what contexts can dispense take the place of distribute?

The synonyms dispense and distribute are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 divide a more appropriate choice than distribute?

In some situations, the words divide and distribute are roughly equivalent. However, divide stresses the separation of a whole into parts and implies that the parts are equal.

three charitable groups divided the proceeds

When could dole out be used to replace distribute?

While in some cases nearly identical to distribute, 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 distribute In March, the Rocket Foundation introduced Sparks Grants, distributing $10,000 each to 10 Atlanta organizations dedicated to creating safer neighborhoods. —

Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 9 Dec. 2024 According to reports, an employee at the fast-food joint recognized the suspect from a security cam photo of his face that was widely released by cops and others last week and distributed to media outlets. —

Denise Petski, Deadline, 9 Dec. 2024 Matt Breida, Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson Jr., Tevin Coleman and others took turns, with carries distributed based on overall health, down and distance and the hot hand. —

Jerry McDonald, The Mercury News, 8 Dec. 2024 Rx Kids has so far distributed about $4.7 million to more than 1,200 families in Flint, as of early December. —

Nushrat Rahman, Detroit Free Press, 8 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for distribute

Recent Examples of Synonyms for distribute

Verb

According to the British Broadcasting Corporation, the names of defendants and almost all case records are classified.

Leon Aron, The Atlantic, 5 Dec. 2024
Getty Images In these cases, the offense would be classified as a felony, and would be punishable by a term of imprisonment of no more than five years, a fine of up to $250,000, or $500,000 in the case of a corporation, or both.

Eamon Javers, CNBC, 5 Dec. 2024