DISTRIBUTE Synonyms: 134 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

distribute

verb

di-ˈstri-byüt

Definition of distribute next

as in to classify

to arrange or assign according to type distribute the assignments according to seniority

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to allot

to give as a share or portion committed to distributing the school's limited scholarship money so that it benefits more students

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to dispense

to give out (something) to appropriate individuals distributed pamphlets on recycling to everyone in the neighborhood

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 distribute The series is internationally distributed by Amazon MGM Studios Distribution. —

Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 12 Feb. 2025 Please stop this practice and seek alternative methods of distributing advertisements. —

Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 12 Feb. 2025 The recall affected one lot of Fentanyl Transdermal System, 25 mcg/h, distributed nationwide to the pharmacy and patient level and has a lot number of 108319 with an expiration date 04/2027. —

Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 1 Feb. 2025 The recent products were distributed between Jan. 3, 2025, to Jan. 24, 2025. —

Cara Tabachnick, CBS News, 1 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for distribute

Recent Examples of Synonyms for distribute

Verb

The international community views Syrian civil society organizations more favorably than the caretaker government, whose leaders were classified as terrorists in many countries until recently.

— Jesse Marks, Foreign Affairs, 11 Feb. 2025
Nearly three-quarters of all Northeast snowstorms classified as Category 3 or higher on the Northeast Snowfall Impact Scale, or NESIS, from 1956 to 2022 took place in late January or early February, according to statistics from NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Information.

— Janet Loehrke, USA TODAY, 11 Feb. 2025