as in to distribute
to give out (something) to appropriate individuals
a conscientious pharmacist never dispenses pills to people without assurances that they understand the instructions
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 dispense
By dispensing with sons and lovers, the tribe of sexless females would double its rate of reproduction and so, quite quickly, take over.
—
Elizabeth Kolbert,
New Yorker,
22 June 2026
Some telehealth companies already used that alternative back in 2021, when the Supreme Court temporarily reinstated a requirement that mifepristone must be dispensed in person.
—
Kate Wells,
NPR,
22 June 2026
This was followed by a bunch of other rules about how to load the washing machine, the correct water temperature to use, and how much detergent to dispense into each load.
—
Jolie Kerr,
Better Homes & Gardens,
21 June 2026
For decades, medical wisdom was dispensed exclusively within exam rooms and clinics.
—
Cindy Krischer Goodman,
Sun Sentinel,
20 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for dispense
Elizabeth Kolbert,
New Yorker,
22 June 2026
Some telehealth companies already used that alternative back in 2021, when the Supreme Court temporarily reinstated a requirement that mifepristone must be dispensed in person.
—
Kate Wells,
NPR,
22 June 2026
This was followed by a bunch of other rules about how to load the washing machine, the correct water temperature to use, and how much detergent to dispense into each load.
—
Jolie Kerr,
Better Homes & Gardens,
21 June 2026
For decades, medical wisdom was dispensed exclusively within exam rooms and clinics.
—
Cindy Krischer Goodman,
Sun Sentinel,
20 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for dispense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dispense
Verb
-
Authorities say electrical service in La Guaira has recovered to roughly 90%, while more than 5 million liters of water have been distributed across affected areas.
-
Cut the butter into cubes and distribute throughout the packets.
Verb
-
Stroll the historic downtown for antiques, art, and more, all while the adjacent Truckee River provides a natural soundtrack.
-
The state also provides a $20 per month taxable subsidy for workers who commute using a bike for at least half of work days each month.
Verb
-
The rabies vaccine, if administered immediately after exposure, is nearly 100% successful at preventing the disease, according to the World Health Organization.
-
The license will enable the bank to start managing and administering funds locally, alongside its existing custody and investment services offering—marking a significant expansion of its in-country capabilities.
Verb
-
Most focus heavily on grants and donations, yet allocate little to promotions.
-
This year, lawmakers agreed to allocate $15 million for security for Jewish schools — funding that was not vetoed in the final budget.
Cite this Entry
“Dispense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dispense. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
