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
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Anything doled out in 2025 gets no deduction.—Medora Lee, USA Today, 30 Dec. 2025 Rob Hale, founder and CEO of telecommunications company Granite Communications, annually doles out $1,000 checks to local recent college graduates in Massachusetts.—Sydney Lake, Fortune, 29 Dec. 2025 The film's strengths lie in narrative momentum, doling out information at just the right pace for maximum impact.—Ilana Gordon, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Dec. 2025 Old Town Corner Bakery The best takeaway breakfast can be found at Old Town Corner Bakery, which doles out delicious savory pies, buttery croissants, and drip coffees.—Sarah Souli, Travel + Leisure, 28 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dole out
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