distribute

Definition of distributenext
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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb distribute differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of distribute are deal, dispense, divide, and dole out. While all these words 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

When can deal be used instead of distribute?

While the synonyms deal and distribute are close in meaning, deal emphasizes the allotment of something piece by piece.

deal out equipment and supplies

In what contexts can dispense take the place of distribute?

The synonyms dispense and distribute are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

When is divide a more appropriate choice than distribute?

In some situations, the words divide and distribute are roughly equivalent. However, divide stresses the separation of a whole into parts and implies that the parts are equal.

three charitable groups divided the proceeds

When could dole out be used to replace distribute?

While in some cases nearly identical to distribute, dole out implies a carefully measured portion of something that is often in short supply.

doled out what little food there was

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 distribute The series is produced by Paramount Television Studios and 101 Studios and distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution. Denise Petski, Deadline, 18 May 2026 This time, a ground-side sensor reported an issue with pressure in the manifolds, which distribute propellant to the vehicle. ArsTechnica, 18 May 2026 Santos is charged with distributing food with a harmful substance, according to court records obtained by the Telegram & Gazette, part of the USA TODAY Network. Drew Pittock, USA Today, 18 May 2026 The most striking proof of concept is Iron Lung, the sci-fi horror film written, directed and self-distributed by YouTuber and gaming personality Markiplier, which has now grossed more than $50 million worldwide. Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for distribute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distribute
Verb
  • Another pair of wins from KPop Demon Hunters, which are attached to the evil boy band Saja Boys, cracked the top 10 as well, and several members – the group is made up of Andrew Choi, Neckwav, Danny Chung, Kevin Woo and Samuil Lee – are usually classified as K-pop artists.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
  • Final thoughts For context, my backyard sky falls somewhere between 7 and 8 on the Bortle scale, a nine-level system used by astronomers to classify the brightness of the night sky and the impact of light pollution.
    Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • Instead of the 20,000 spots that are usually available for New England Patriots games, the T said only 5,000 spaces will be allotted for fan parking on match days.
    Neal Riley, CBS News, 13 May 2026
  • No numbers have been confirmed regarding the winnings allotted to those who finish in second and third place.
    Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 12 May 2026
Verb
  • In response to an emergency request from drugmakers, the court paused a ruling that the drug must be prescribed and dispensed in person by a doctor.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 14 May 2026
  • Designed to sit inside your body and activate when needed to help fight infections at the source, the strategy could dispense with the need for pills, shots and even diagnostics.
    Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 14 May 2026
Verb
  • Nystrom researches the draft tirelessly, keeping a spreadsheet of data (ages, game stats, hand widths) on nearly two thousand players, and publicly ranks his top five hundred—nearly twice as many as will actually be drafted.
    Dan Greene, New Yorker, 18 May 2026
  • Other than the San Antonio Spurs, the Knicks are the only postseason team that ranks in the top three in points scored and allowed per 100 possessions.
    Tony Jones, New York Times, 18 May 2026
Verb
  • Under current law the Legislature cannot, merely by passing a bill, grant to the attorney general prosecutorial authority that the Texas constitution expressly assigns to district attorneys.
    Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 May 2026
  • Commencing an investigation, Bernal unwittingly assigns Dahlia and his nephew Charlie, an ex-cop and Dahlia’s ex-lover, leading to a fraught reunion.
    Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 14 May 2026
Verb
  • Cameron Brink’s 10 points were the only ones provided by the Sparks’ bench, while the Tempo got 42 points from reserves.
    Marisa Ingemi, Los Angeles Times, 16 May 2026
  • Accessibility Ocean Casino Resort strives to provide an accessible experience for all guests.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 May 2026
Verb
  • But his team distinguished themselves through superior organisation with and without the ball, exploiting space to play to the specific strengths of their personnel.
    Liam Twomey, New York Times, 17 May 2026
  • That framework, Yeon says, distinguishes Korean commercial cinema from other markets.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 16 May 2026
Verb
  • For example, in a class with 20 students, 8 A’s would be permitted, while in a course of 100, the instructor could allocate 24 A’s — 20% of the total number of students plus four additional.
    Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026
  • Another campaign led by the nonprofit Democracy Fund urges philanthropic funders to support free and fair elections and to allocate funding to nonprofits who do that by the end of April.
    Thalia Beaty, Fortune, 20 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Distribute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distribute. Accessed 23 May. 2026.

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