dole out

verb

doled out; doling out; doles out
Synonyms of dole outnext

transitive verb

1
: to give or deliver in small portions
2
Choose the Right Synonym for dole out

distribute, dispense, divide, deal, dole out 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

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

divide stresses the separation of a whole into parts and implies that the parts are equal.

three charitable groups divided the proceeds

deal emphasizes the allotment of something piece by piece.

deal out equipment and supplies

dole out implies a carefully measured portion of something that is often in short supply.

doled out what little food there was

Examples of dole out in a Sentence

she doles out office supplies as if she were paying for them out of her own pocket
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Ryan Coogler has thanked the DGA for their healthcare support — a key issue right now especially with the approaching DGA negotiations that may well determine how the union’s healthcare is doled out. Antonia Blyth, Deadline, 7 Feb. 2026 No episode was reported that night to the Transportation Authority, Dave, so license-plate readers likely will help dole out tolls — and, if the vehicle doesn’t have a transponder, a $25 fine. Jim Radcliffe, Oc Register, 6 Feb. 2026 From the roles played by the likes of John Wayne and Kevin Costner, the fantasy of the cowboy mentality—that an individual can dole out his own form of justice, and that without order comes liberation—persists. Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 5 Feb. 2026 Before the BusPatrol camera program was suspended last year for doling out questionable violations, the private company running the operation was also mailing out violations with faulty information. Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 4 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dole out

Word History

First Known Use

1749, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dole out was in 1749

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dole out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dole%20out. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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