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.
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

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 5 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on dole out

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster