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

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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 Problem is, history will show that Grier was in over his head because of his lack of conviction on decisions, lackluster drafting and history of doling out bad contracts, while simultaneously letting some of the team’s better free agents walk. —

Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 24 Mar. 2026 As city leaders doled out contracts to Washington, emails detailing allegations against the nonprofit leader followed, according to the emails and two sources who spoke with The Star. —

Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 24 Mar. 2026 The committee, which includes Georgia athletic director Josh Brooks, still looks to dole out significant penalties for schools found to have added players to their rosters who didn’t provide notification of their transfer intentions within the portal window dates. —

Mike Griffith, AJC.com, 23 Mar. 2026 From March 25 to 31, the retailer will be doling out discounts on a massive number of products, including laptop and desktop PCs. —

K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 23 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dole out

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dole out

Verb

The law authorized about $1 billion in state bonds, distributed to districts based on enrollment.

— Noah Daly, Idaho Statesman, 30 Mar. 2026
Vastnaut One assists these climbs by distributing force through both the hips and knees, helping propel the body upward more efficiently.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 30 Mar. 2026

Definition of distribute

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dolefulness

dole out

doles

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“Dole out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dole%20out. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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Synonyms of dole out

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