DOLE OUT Synonyms: 60 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of dole out are deal , dispense , distribute , and divide . While all these words mean "to give out, usually in shares, to each member of a group," dole out implies a carefully measured portion of something that is often in short supply. // doled out what little food there was

Q: When is 'deal' a more appropriate choice than 'dole out'?

The words deal and dole out are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, deal emphasizes the allotment of something piece by piece. // deal out equipment and supplies

Q: When might 'dispense' be a better fit than 'dole out'?

The words dispense and dole out can be used in similar contexts, 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: Where would 'distribute' be a reasonable alternative to 'dole out'?

While in some cases nearly identical to dole out , 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 'dole out'?

Although the words divide and dole out have much in common, divide stresses the separation of a whole into parts and implies that the parts are equal. // three charitable groups divided the proceeds

dole out

verb

Definition of dole out next

as in to distribute

to give out (something) to appropriate individuals she doles out office supplies as if she were paying for them out of her own pocket

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb dole out differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of dole out are deal, dispense, distribute, and divide. While all these words mean "to give out, usually in shares, to each member of a group," dole out implies a carefully measured portion of something that is often in short supply.

doled out what little food there was

When is deal a more appropriate choice than dole out?

The words deal and dole out are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, deal emphasizes the allotment of something piece by piece.

deal out equipment and supplies

When might dispense be a better fit than dole out?

The words dispense and dole out can be used in similar contexts, 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

Where would distribute be a reasonable alternative to dole out?

While in some cases nearly identical to dole out, 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 dole out?

Although the words divide and dole out have much in common, divide stresses the separation of a whole into parts and implies that the parts are equal.

three charitable groups divided the proceeds

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 dole out Trump has been doling out invitations to foreign leaders to the January 20 event at the U.S. Capitol, where he will be sworn in and officially assume power. —

Francesca Chambers, USA TODAY, 17 Dec. 2024 In its final weeks, his administration is continuing to dole out funds, including a $6.6 billion loan for Rivian’s EV plant in Georgia and $7.5 billion for two Stellantis joint-venture battery plants in Indiana. —

Alan Ohnsman, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024 Ever since New York City’s Grand Central Terminal kicked off its Holiday Fair on Nov. 11, an old-school quarters-only machine has been doling out mini prints of NYC icons. —

Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 16 Dec. 2024 But Mufasa's welcome is no kinder than the reception Dickens doled out to the foundlings scattered throughout his novels. —

Tom Gliatto, People.com, 20 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for dole out

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dole out

Verb

Volunteers distribute water and other supplies at the Westwood Recreation Center on Thursday.

Angela Yang, NBC News, 10 Jan. 2025
On Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. the district will distribute pre-packaged meals at 16 sites for students.

Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2025