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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The deal was originally expected on Friday, but Council Speaker Julie Menin canceled after the administration didn’t dole out more money for CityFHEPS.—
Josephine Stratman,
New York Daily News,
30 June 2026 Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill gave about $10 billion to NASA to be doled out over six years, but much of those funds are earmarked for specific purposes.—
Jackie Wattles,
CNN Money,
30 June 2026 Since 2022, Flagg has doled out millions on properties spanning from coast to coast.—
Wendy Bowman,
Robb Report,
29 June 2026 This week, Michelin doled out stars to restaurants across California.—
Sam Stone,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for dole out