DOLE OUT Synonyms: 60 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of dole out are deal , dispense , distribute , and divide . While all these words mean "to give out, usually in shares, to each member of a group," dole out implies a carefully measured portion of something that is often in short supply. // doled out what little food there was

Q: When is 'deal' a more appropriate choice than 'dole out'?

The words deal and dole out are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, deal emphasizes the allotment of something piece by piece. // deal out equipment and supplies

Q: When might 'dispense' be a better fit than 'dole out'?

The words dispense and dole out can be used in similar contexts, 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: Where would 'distribute' be a reasonable alternative to 'dole out'?

While in some cases nearly identical to dole out , 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 'dole out'?

Although the words divide and dole out have much in common, divide stresses the separation of a whole into parts and implies that the parts are equal. // three charitable groups divided the proceeds

dole out

verb

Definition of dole out

as in to distribute

to give out (something) to appropriate individuals she doles out office supplies as if she were paying for them out of her own pocket

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the verb dole out differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of dole out are deal, dispense, distribute, and divide. While all these words mean "to give out, usually in shares, to each member of a group," dole out implies a carefully measured portion of something that is often in short supply.

doled out what little food there was

When is deal a more appropriate choice than dole out?

The words deal and dole out are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, deal emphasizes the allotment of something piece by piece.

deal out equipment and supplies

When might dispense be a better fit than dole out?

The words dispense and dole out can be used in similar contexts, 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

Where would distribute be a reasonable alternative to dole out?

While in some cases nearly identical to dole out, 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 dole out?

Although the words divide and dole out have much in common, divide stresses the separation of a whole into parts and implies that the parts are equal.

three charitable groups divided the proceeds

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 out Damo, Brick Savage, Kushida, Ikuro Kwon, Okumira, Josef Samael and Sentai Death Squad are the members of the group eager to dole out punishment to anyone who steps to them. — Ryan Gaydos Outkick, FOXNews.com, 6 Oct. 2026 America’s democracy does not exist to dole out power to political parties. — The Denver Post Editorial Board, Denver Post, 6 Oct. 2026 The expectation for higher spending could be contributed to current inflationary pricing as shoppers prepare to dole out more money due to higher costs. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 5 Oct. 2026 Speaking of awards, Denver Film will dole out a few during the fest’s run. — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 3 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dole out

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dole out

Verb

The procedural dispute centers on a requirement to distribute amendment text to circuit court clerks for public posting, which lawmakers retroactively repealed.

— Gabrielle M. Etzel, The Washington Examiner, 30 Oct. 2026
The combination of large-scale pre-training, distributed post-training and feedback-driven learning after deployment forms the basis of GO-3 Preview.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of distribute

Verb

Reaching stratospheric financial targets requires launching incredible numbers of Starlink and Starmind satellites, all of which can be dispensed like Pez candy into space.

— Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 29 Oct. 2026
The nozzle is also very slim, which helps the liquidy formula dispense more precisely onto my fingers without running everywhere.

— Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of dispense

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

Bonci said at her household, her family will be handing out chocolate, because no one wants to go to the dietitian's house and get a baby carrot.

— John Shumway, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026
Brooklyn scored 61 points in the half, handed out 13 assists and committed just six turnovers, though Boston’s 2-for-16 showing from deep was also a major factor in the five-point lead.

— C.J. Holmes, New York Daily News, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of hand out

Verb

How Israel's elections work Israelis vote for parties rather than directly electing a prime minister, with the Knesset’s 120 seats allocated through proportional representation.

— Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2026
Polls suggest 11 to 13 parties will meet the bar; seats are allocated through a proportional representation system.

— Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of allocate

Verb

Several aircraft could divide surveillance tasks or combine their efforts to improve coverage in a particular sector.

— Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
Depending on your opinion of him (the fandom is divided), this one might not be your favorite.

— Anna Moeslein, Glamour, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of divide

Browse Nearby Words

dolefulness

dole out

doles

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“Dole out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dole%20out. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of dole out

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