DISPENSE Synonyms: 60 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of dispense are deal , distribute , divide , and dole out . While all these words mean "to give out, usually in shares, to each member of a group," 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 'deal' be a reasonable alternative to 'dispense'?

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

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

In some situations, the words distribute and dispense are roughly equivalent. However, 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 'dispense'?

The words divide and dispense can be used in similar contexts, but 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 'dole out' a more appropriate choice than 'dispense'?

The words dole out and dispense are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, dole out implies a carefully measured portion of something that is often in short supply. // doled out what little food there was

dispense

verb

di-ˈspen(t)s

Definition of dispense next

as in to distribute

to give out (something) to appropriate individuals a conscientious pharmacist never dispenses pills to people without assurances that they understand the instructions

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb dispense differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of dispense are deal, distribute, divide, and dole out. While all these words mean "to give out, usually in shares, to each member of a group," 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 deal be a reasonable alternative to dispense?

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

deal out equipment and supplies

When can distribute be used instead of dispense?

In some situations, the words distribute and dispense are roughly equivalent. However, 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 dispense?

The words divide and dispense can be used in similar contexts, but divide stresses the separation of a whole into parts and implies that the parts are equal.

three charitable groups divided the proceeds

When is dole out a more appropriate choice than dispense?

The words dole out and dispense are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, dole out implies a carefully measured portion of something that is often in short supply.

doled out what little food there was

Example 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 dispense This is the aromatherapy diffuser, which stays locked in place (even with the lid open) and dispenses the fragrance. —

John Burek, PCMAG, 10 Jan. 2025 Positive reinforcement training, on the other hand, identifies the things that a dog likes and dispense them as rewards for positive behavior. —

Dawn Kovell, The Mercury News, 28 Jan. 2025 The report identifies a diversification in the strains of medical cannabis dispensed throughout 2024. —

Dario Sabaghi, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025 Walgreens operates one of the largest pharmacy chains in the United States, with more than 8,000 pharmacies, and its pharmacists fill and dispense thousands of prescriptions every day. —

John Yoo and John Shu, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for dispense

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dispense

Verb

The food bank will help distribute 270,000 eggs to support families affected by the wildfires; another 54,000 eggs will go to Gather For Good, which works with restaurant owners, chefs, farmers and others in the service industry to prepare meals for first responders and others across the LA area.

— Phaedra Trethan, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2025
Tickets go on sale this Friday, Feb. 14, for Season 5, which is distributed in the U.S. by Fathom.

— Michael Schneider, Variety, 13 Feb. 2025