DEAL Synonyms: 339 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of deal are dispense , distribute , divide , and dole out . While all these words mean "to give out, usually in shares, to each member of a group," deal emphasizes the allotment of something piece by piece. // deal out equipment and supplies

Q: When could 'dispense' be used to replace 'deal'?

In some situations, the words dispense and deal are roughly equivalent. However, 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 'distribute' a more appropriate choice than 'deal'?

Although the words distribute and deal have much in common, distribute implies an apportioning by separation of something into parts, units, or amounts. // distributed food to the needy

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

The words divide and deal are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, divide stresses the separation of a whole into parts and implies that the parts are equal. // three charitable groups divided the proceeds

Q: When is it sensible to use 'dole out' instead of 'deal'?

The synonyms dole out and deal are sometimes interchangeable, but dole out implies a carefully measured portion of something that is often in short supply. // doled out what little food there was

deal 1 of 3

noun (1)

Definition of deal next

as in ton

a considerable amount there is a great deal of waste in government

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

deal

2 of 3

noun (2)

as in agreement

an arrangement about action to be taken we made a deal to cooperate on the next assignment

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in sale

the transfer of ownership of something from one person to another for a price we closed the deal for the house last week

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in contract

a formal agreement to fulfill an obligation if the other party backs out of the deal after it's signed, you can sue

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in situation

position with regard to conditions and circumstances we don't yet know what the deal is with the new manager

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in bargain

something bought or offered for sale at a desirable price that mail-order sweater isn't such a great deal after you factor in the cost of shipping and handling

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

deal

3 of 3

verb

ˈdēl

as in to trade

to carry on the business of buying and selling goods or other property that store deals in used furniture

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to negotiate

to talk over or dispute the terms of a purchase you're going to have to learn how to deal if you want to buy a car at a fair price

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb deal differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of deal are dispense, distribute, divide, and dole out. While all these words mean "to give out, usually in shares, to each member of a group," deal emphasizes the allotment of something piece by piece.

deal out equipment and supplies

When could dispense be used to replace deal?

In some situations, the words dispense and deal are roughly equivalent. However, 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 distribute a more appropriate choice than deal?

Although the words distribute and deal have much in common, distribute implies an apportioning by separation of something into parts, units, or amounts.

distributed food to the needy

When can divide be used instead of deal?

The words divide and deal are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, divide stresses the separation of a whole into parts and implies that the parts are equal.

three charitable groups divided the proceeds

When is it sensible to use dole out instead of deal?

The synonyms dole out and deal are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 deal

Noun

Phillips Payson O’Brien: How Biden made a mess of Ukraine Defining a security guarantee will be the crux of any deal. —

Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 18 Dec. 2024 The New York Yankees reportedly acquired outfielder Cody Bellinger from the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday, in a deal that many had been anticipating. —

Joey Copponi, Newsweek, 18 Dec. 2024

Verb

Produced by Aaron Spelling, The Mod Squad was one of mainstream Hollywood's first attempts to deal seriously with the counterculture. —

Lester Fabian Brathwaite, EW.com, 11 Dec. 2024 Multiple people familiar with the club’s thinking said Brown is open to dealing one of Tucker or starter Framber Valdez, both of whom are set to make more than $15 million during their final trip through the arbitration process. —

Chandler Rome, The Athletic, 10 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for deal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for deal

Verb

The addition of Adames would push Tyler Fitzgerald into a competition at second base with Casey Schmitt, Brett Wisely and potentially Marco Luciano if the organization’s former top prospect isn’t traded or moved to the outfield.

Andrew Baggarly, The Athletic, 8 Dec. 2024
And from the tour's very first night on March 17, 2023, in Glendale, Ariz., fans took that instruction to heart, with Swifties everywhere crafting bracelets to trade at every show.

Lauren Huff, EW.com, 7 Dec. 2024

Definition of trade

Cite this Entry

Style

“Deal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deal. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Copy Citation

Last Updated: 21 Dec 2024 - Updated example sentences

Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Word of the Day

ambient

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Synonyms of deal

noun (1)

noun (2)

verb

Synonym Chooser

Examples Sentences

Thesaurus Entries Near deal

Cite this Entry