dole

noun

ˈdōl How to pronounce dole (audio)
Definition of dolenext
as in philanthropy
the giving of necessities and especially money to the needy a millionaire who was known for his annual Christmas dole to needy-looking strangers he met on the street

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 dole Residents also grew frustrated, as migrants reluctantly snared in endless court proceedings appeared to be gaming the system and living off the taxpayers’ dole. — Julia Preston, Foreign Affairs, 25 Oct. 2024 The author of that piece criticized the Social Security Administration for not updating a listing of jobs that benefit applicants might be able to do instead of going on the government dole collecting disability benefits. — Tom Margenau, Dallas News, 29 Jan. 2023 As recently as 2017, a dole of about 100 baby loggerhead turtles emerged from their eggs and began their journey from the sand to the sea on Assateague Island National Seashore. — Kristian Jaime, Baltimore Sun, 25 July 2022 As with other American officials feted in Azerbaijan on the regime’s dole, Cuellar routinely stumped for Azeri oil interests—helping the regime profit that much further. — Casey Michel, The New Republic, 26 Jan. 2022
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dole
  1. philanthropy
  2. charity
  3. welfare
Noun
  • Catherine Gros, vice president of art, heritage and philanthropy at Renault Group, noted the factory once employed more than 30,000 people, producing a car every 90 seconds.
    — Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Since women place a greater emphasis on philanthropy, and more family fortunes are passing to women, philanthropy is likely to become more central to family offices.
    — Robert Frank, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of philanthropy
Noun
  • Similar to Anthropic’s plan, the fund was set up as an LLC rather than a charity.
    — Ella Chakarian, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Following his release from jail, Archer published his prison diaries, carried on with his charity work and wrote more novels.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of charity
Noun
  • Indeed, international economists, including those at the IMF, are urging Beijing to spend more on basic welfare — medical cover, unemployment benefits, pensions — to boost consumer spending power.
    — Andy Browne, semafor.com, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Critics accuse him of prioritising money and political relationships over human rights, sports integrity and the welfare of players.
    — Chas Newkey-Burden, TheWeek, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of welfare

Phrases Containing dole

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doldrums
dole
doled out
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Cite this Entry

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

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