distribute

1
2
3

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 This salt is distributed between 116 salt houses across the state. Daniel McFadin, arkansasonline.com, 8 Jan. 2025 According to data distributed by the NBA, this was just the second time in history that two teams had won at least 30 of their first 35 games, and the Cavs-Thunder matchup was the first game between a team from the East and the West with winning percentages of .850 or better. Joe Vardon, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025 Officials also said the products were distributed between July 18 and July 26, 2024, and were sold in Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts and New York. Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA TODAY, 8 Jan. 2025 Your will can help your family avoid this and have your assets distributed according to your wishes. Lawrence D. Sprung, Founder/wealth Advisor At Mitlin Financial, Inc., CNBC, 7 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for distribute 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distribute
Verb
  • And our findings have broader implications for how species are classified and protected under conservation laws.
    Andre A. Naranjo, The Conversation, 6 Jan. 2025
  • Not a nor'easter Monday's snowstorm will not be classified as a classic nor'easter, Taylor said, which are some of the most infamous winter storms for East Coasters.
    Doyle Rice, USA TODAY, 6 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • About $6 billion of grant funding has been allotted to the project, which will take up around 6,500 square feet of the high school, according to Callender.
    George Monastiriakos, Newsweek, 31 Dec. 2024
  • Because there are generally more applicants than visas available, visas are allotted by a lottery conducted after preapplications are filed in April, six months before the start of the fiscal year.
    Rafael Bernal, The Hill, 30 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Scanning a new Wikipedia tab can feel like turning on a faucet, using a resource that has seemingly always been there and dispensed evenly, almost magically, from the Internet pipes.
    Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 16 Jan. 2025
  • The nation’s three largest PBMs – CVS Health’s Caremark, Cigna’s Express Scripts and UnitedHealth Group’s Optum Rx – inflated the prices of drugs dispensed at their affiliated pharmacies by hundreds or even thousands of percent, the agency found.
    Tami Luhby, CNN, 14 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The second half of the season, Ossai ranked 49th out of 66 qualifying edge defenders in pass-rush win rate.
    Paul Dehner Jr., The Athletic, 14 Jan. 2025
  • Adopting these changes will enhance the possibility of ranking within AI search while boosting the visibility and competitiveness of your site.
    Dr. Bin Tang, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Was assigned to Providence to rebuild his all-around game.
    Fluto Shinzawa, The Athletic, 7 Jan. 2025
  • The report found that 50 per 100,000 in adolescents assigned female at birth and 25 per 100,000 in adolescents assigned male at birth received hormones.
    Kiara Alfonseca, ABC News, 7 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Oils, scrubs, and detoxes all provide balance and ensure optimal growth.
    Essence, Essence, 14 Jan. 2025
  • Context: Needle exchange programs provide clean syringes for people using drugs and dispose of used ones, steps that can reduce the spread of diseases like hepatitis C and HIV.
    Esteban L. Hernandez, Axios, 14 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Metal railings or a charred brick chimney were all that remained to distinguish the ashen piles.
    Connor Sheets, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2025
  • Learn some of the identifying features of each bird and distinguish similar-looking species from each other.
    Joe Rassel, Orlando Sentinel, 9 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • And make sure to allocate a specific amount toward debt repayment each month.
    Chad Van Horn, Sun Sentinel, 12 Jan. 2025
  • The Biden administration will not be able to allocate $3.8 billion of U.S. aid earmarked for Ukraine before the president leaves the White House, raising questions over the future of the funding when President-elect Donald Trump takes office.
    Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 11 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near distribute

Cite this Entry

“Distribute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distribute. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on distribute

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!