DOLE OUT Synonyms: 60 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'dole out' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of dole out are deal , dispense , distribute , and divide . While all these words mean "to give out, usually in shares, to each member of a group," dole out implies a carefully measured portion of something that is often in short supply. // doled out what little food there was

Q: When is 'deal' a more appropriate choice than 'dole out'?

The words deal and dole out are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, deal emphasizes the allotment of something piece by piece. // deal out equipment and supplies

Q: When might 'dispense' be a better fit than 'dole out'?

The words dispense and dole out can be used in similar contexts, 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

Q: Where would 'distribute' be a reasonable alternative to 'dole out'?

While in some cases nearly identical to dole out , distribute implies an apportioning by separation of something into parts, units, or amounts. // distributed food to the needy

Q: When would 'divide' be a good substitute for 'dole out'?

Although the words divide and dole out have much in common, divide stresses the separation of a whole into parts and implies that the parts are equal. // three charitable groups divided the proceeds

dole out

verb

Definition of dole out next

as in to distribute

to give out (something) to appropriate individuals she doles out office supplies as if she were paying for them out of her own pocket

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb dole out differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of dole out are deal, dispense, distribute, and divide. While all these words mean "to give out, usually in shares, to each member of a group," dole out implies a carefully measured portion of something that is often in short supply.

doled out what little food there was

When is deal a more appropriate choice than dole out?

The words deal and dole out are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, deal emphasizes the allotment of something piece by piece.

deal out equipment and supplies

When might dispense be a better fit than dole out?

The words dispense and dole out can be used in similar contexts, 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

Where would distribute be a reasonable alternative to dole out?

While in some cases nearly identical to dole out, distribute implies an apportioning by separation of something into parts, units, or amounts.

distributed food to the needy

When would divide be a good substitute for dole out?

Although the words divide and dole out have much in common, divide stresses the separation of a whole into parts and implies that the parts are equal.

three charitable groups divided the proceeds

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 dole out But one thing is for certain: McCourt, the main funder of the organization, which has doled out nearly $100 million so far from its nonprofit side per its latest tax filing, wants this to be his legacy for the next generation. —

Phoebe Liu, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025 Furthermore, the order also directs federal agencies to stop doling out cash issued under the Democrats’ climate, tax and healthcare bill and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. —

Rachel Frazin, The Hill, 21 Jan. 2025 This took many lawmakers and their aides by surprise, with several sources telling the Washington Examiner that prior notice was not given to offices — especially as many planned to continue doling out tickets to constituents Friday and over the weekend. —

Cami Mondeaux, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 17 Jan. 2025 Wendy Leon doling out fish cheeks to her grandkids. —

Elyse Inamine, Bon Appétit, 17 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for dole out

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dole out

Verb

The recall affected one lot of Fentanyl Transdermal System, 25 mcg/h, distributed nationwide to the pharmacy and patient level and has a lot number of 108319 with an expiration date 04/2027.

— Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 1 Feb. 2025
The recent products were distributed between Jan. 3, 2025, to Jan. 24, 2025.

— Cara Tabachnick, CBS News, 1 Feb. 2025