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 That office, which also gave funds to Tesla in 2010, has doled out billions of dollars under the Biden administration. —

Rachel Frazin, The Hill, 26 Nov. 2024 Beahm’s contentious behavior combined with Kick’s reputation for doling out millions of dollars to attract high-profile creators, lax moderation policy, and hosting its own stable of controversial creators, made the platform the next likely choice. —

Ash Parrish, The Verge, 25 Nov. 2024 According to The Wall Street Journal, the tech entrepreneur and his wife Melinda doled out a cool $43 million for a six-bedroom oceanfront home in Del Mar in March 2020. —

Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 22 Nov. 2024 The league, players’ union, coaches and team executives are still ironing out all of the details, including prize money doled out to winners and losers of the tournament and how the teams are selected. —

Mike Vorkunov, The Athletic, 21 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for dole out

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dole out

Verb

It’s distributed nationally for $34.99 through Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits.

Toria Sheffield, People.com, 10 Dec. 2024
Their plan is to distribute Thomas Pink internationally, open stand-alone stores in key markets such as the U.S. and the U.K., and offer shirts at prices that fall between Charles Tyrwhitt and Eton.

Samantha Conti, WWD, 10 Dec. 2024