dispose

verb

di-ˈspōz How to pronounce dispose (audio)
Definition of disposenext
1
as in to situate
to arrange something in a certain spot or position looking for the perfect spot to dispose the new knickknack

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to classify
to put into a particular arrangement disposed the surgical instruments in the exact order in which they would be needed

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word dispose different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of dispose are bias, incline, and predispose. While all these words mean "to influence one to have or take an attitude toward something," dispose suggests an affecting of one's mood or temper so as to incline one toward something.

her nature disposes her to trust others

When might bias be a better fit than dispose?

The synonyms bias and dispose are sometimes interchangeable, but bias suggests a settled and predictable leaning in one direction and connotes unfair prejudice.

the experience biased him against foreigners

When can incline be used instead of dispose?

The words incline and dispose are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, incline implies a tendency to favor one of two or more actions or conclusions.

I incline to agree

Where would predispose be a reasonable alternative to dispose?

Although the words predispose and dispose have much in common, predispose implies the operation of a disposing influence well in advance of the opportunity to manifest itself.

does fictional violence predispose them to accept real violence?

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 dispose To dispose of medications, use a drug take-back program or follow specific FDA guidelines for drug disposal. — Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 27 June 2026 In the city of Miami, improperly disposing trash — like taking the trash from one of your homes and throwing it away in another of your property’s bins — can result in a $525 fine. — Amaia Gavica, Miami Herald, 26 June 2026 Court documents report she was killed by her stepmother, Connie Graham, who then used one of her sons to dispose of the body, while another son burned the evidence, including a bed, clothing and flooring. — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 26 June 2026 Relying Too Much On Garbage Disposals Though the name may be deceiving, garbage disposals aren’t actually designed to dispose of all garbage. — Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 28 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for dispose
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dispose
  1. situate
  2. classify
  3. put
  4. arrange
  5. place
  6. organize
  7. locate
  8. order
Verb
  • Ukraine's military general staff said Monday that the strike caused a fire at the facility, which is situated nearly 2,500 kilometers (1,553 miles) from Ukrainian territory and close to Russia's border with Kazakhstan.
    — Sam Meredith, CNBC, 7 July 2026
  • The master bedroom is situated downstairs, so has ample headroom to stand upright.
    — Adam Williams July 06, New Atlas, 6 July 2026
Definition of situate
Verb
  • The Education Department initially classified only 11 fields as professional, leaving out areas including nursing, physical therapy and education.
    — Andrew Khouri, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • Devine told me that e-bike and moped marketing is confusing and regulations keeping e-bikes safely classified are cloudy.
    — Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 5 July 2026
Definition of classify
Verb
  • In his fifth-inning at-bat, Stephenson was on the other side of two successful challenges by Rutschman that put him down 1-2 in the count instead of up 3-0.
    — C. Trent Rosecrans, New York Times, 6 July 2026
  • Go on, put the 131-cube (2,147 cc) monster engine into that one.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 July 2026
Definition of put
Verb
  • The floorplan is arranged with a clear separation between the living areas and private sleeping quarters of the home.
    — Bridget Borgobello July 03, New Atlas, 4 July 2026
  • Bunting arranged this way is appropriate for covering a speaker’s desk, draping the front of a platform or general decoration.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 3 July 2026
Definition of arrange
Verb
  • By then Tanacharison is telling Washington that he is mystically protected, in the mode of certain Indigenous warriors who were placed on earth to be leaders.
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 1 July 2026
  • The Supreme Court lifted a block that a lower court placed on the stops.
    — Bart Jansen, USA Today, 1 July 2026
Definition of place
Verb
  • Weave in open storage elements like cubbies—essential for keeping shoes and boots accessible and organized.
    — Michelle Mastro, The Spruce, 4 July 2026
  • The flight follows additional aid deliveries from Ecuador and continuing relief efforts organized in Spain, where public institutions, businesses and charitable organizations have raised more than $11 million for earthquake victims.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 4 July 2026
Definition of organize
Verb
  • The incident happened Friday in Yountville, an unincorporated town located 43 miles north of San Francisco.
    — Jason Green, Mercury News, 7 July 2026
  • The annual memorial, organized by Castile’s mother, Valerie Castile, took place Monday night at the Philando Castile Peace Garden, located outside the north entrance to the Minnesota State Fairgrounds.
    — Tyler Quattrin, Twin Cities, 7 July 2026
Definition of locate
Verb
  • That kind of granular information is important for emergency responders in the field and planners who make decisions about calling for extra help or ordering evacuations.
    — Eric Niiler, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • Americans across the nation are being asked (or ordered) to conserve water, thanks to widespread drought made even worse by a punishing heat wave.
    — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 5 July 2026
Definition of order

Phrases Containing dispose

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disposals
dispose
disposed
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Cite this Entry

“Dispose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dispose. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on dispose

Nglish: Translation of dispose for Spanish Speakers

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