administer

verb

əd-ˈmi-nə-stər How to pronounce administer (audio)
Definition of administernext
1
as in to distribute
to give out (something) to appropriate individuals the principal administers discipline fairly when students break the rules

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to enforce
to carry out effectively local officials should see that the fair housing laws are rigorously administered

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to manage
to look after and make decisions about the lieutenant governor administers the affairs of the state in the absence of the governor

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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 administer It was subsequently formalized through a trilateral mechanism involving Qatar, Israel, and the United Nations, designed to administer the aid with international and Israeli oversight. — Eric Cortellessa, Time, 18 Oct. 2026 Proceeds benefit education programming, mentorship, scholarships, professional development resources and community grants, including initiatives administered by The Fashion Group International. — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026 Both students were taken to hospitals after security personnel administered emergency aid, including Narcan. — Nicole Alarcon, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026 Brian reportedly administered Narcan, a medication used to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. — Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for administer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for administer
  1. distribute
  2. enforce
  3. manage
  4. dispense
  5. implement
  6. supervise
  7. provide
  8. oversee
Verb
  • The Break Will Not Be Even Once the trigger fires, the productivity break will not distribute evenly across the world.
    — Stephen Messer, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The foundation has raised more than $30,000 to be awarded in scholarships and $26,000 to be distributed to community causes.
    — Samantha Bergeson, Time, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of distribute
Verb
  • Different views on the topic The Justice Department says its actions are intended to enforce federal voting laws and protect citizens’ ballots from dilution.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Environmentalists have expressed concerns, however, that the law won’t be enforced against Pérez under the country’s conservative National Party, of which Zambrano is a member.
    — Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of enforce
Verb
  • Union Berlin managed to draw at Augsburg 1-1 after a player from each was sent off in separate incidents.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The winner will gain one of five seats on the board that runs the highway district, which is responsible for building, managing and maintaining local roads and bridges countywide — as well as setting ACHD’s nearly $260 million annual budget.
    — Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of manage
Verb
  • Crystal is the rare talent who always has been able to dispense the warmth of laughter and then immediately unplug the flow of treacle.
    — Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Items such as the coffee pots, dispensing nozzles for cappuccino and frazil machines must be washed and sanitized as needed.
    — NWA Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of dispense
Verb
  • West Point implemented a rule in early 2025 that sought to bar civilian and military professors from publishing papers, speaking at conferences or appearing on podcasts without seeking approval from superiors.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Negotiations with those governors will be another challenge for Lula, who will need cooperation at the state level to implement his policies.
    — Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of implement
Verb
  • Children under 12 must be accompanied by a supervising companion who is at least 14 years old.
    — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The California Department of State Hospitals contracts with Liberty Healthcare to supervise people convicted of specific crimes and who also struggle with significant mental health conditions.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of supervise
Verb
  • Amphibious skis help the motorcycle remain above the water’s surface, while the front ski provides directional control during the crossing.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 26 Oct. 2026
  • For now, the trial provides compelling evidence that a cancer’s individuality can become a therapeutic opportunity.
    — Mike McRae October 25, New Atlas, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of provide
Verb
  • Earlier discussions included allowing the Atlanta Department of Corrections to retain one floor and administrative space to oversee municipal detainees.
    — CBS News Atlanta Digital Team, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Its platform helps teams oversee the work required to advance a potential medicine, giving program leaders a clearer picture of progress across a drug’s development.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of oversee

Phrases Containing administer

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admeasuring
administer
administered
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Cite this Entry

“Administer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/administer. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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