dole out

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 Tens of millions in those grants go to red states annually, with additional money doled out to improve preparedness. Andrew Freedman, Axios, 12 Feb. 2025 The Athletic also doles out a B- to Sacramento Staff writer Zach Harper pointed out that the three first-round draft picks the Kings received from the Spurs might not all be first-round picks. Chris Biderman, Sacramento Bee, 4 Feb. 2025 For example, all of the upstart streamers launched over the last five or so years opted not to adopt Netflix’s binge release strategy for most of their new releases, thus preserving the linear tradition of doling out episodes of a show on a weekly basis. Josef Adalian, Vulture, 30 Jan. 2025 If your party is potluck-y in nature, doling out dish assignments is easy. Kendra Vaculin, Bon Appétit, 11 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dole out
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dole out
Verb
  • Only music materials released and distributed on digital streaming platforms, and physical music media within the eligibility period (April 1, 2023, to July 31, 2024) were considered for nominations.
    Paul Grein, Billboard, 26 Feb. 2025
  • It’s produced in association with MTV Entertainment Studios and 101 Studios, and distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution.
    Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 26 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The oversized vending machine near the tournament entrance and at the store dispense the signature headband, branded by Lululemon, of course.
    Tim Newcomb, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
  • The lawsuit asks the court to outlaw the medication for anyone under 18, reinstate the in-person appointment requirement, mandate that only doctors can prescribe the pills and limit the ability of retail pharmacies, like CVS and Walgreens, to dispense the medication.
    Lisa Lerer, New York Times, 25 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The Context Russia's invasion of Ukraine last week entered its fourth year, with the U.S. previously providing billions in military and humanitarian support.
    Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025
  • The upper stage ended up exploding over the Atlantic Ocean, providing a dramatic sky show for people in the Turks and Caicos Islands and nearby areas.
    Mike Wall, Space.com, 4 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The licensing boards exist to enforce the rules and hand out punishment to people violating the standards of the occupation or operating without a license.
    Andrew Wimer, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025
  • The Screen Actors Guild Awards were handed out Sunday at Los Angeles’ Shrine Auditorium & Expo Hall in a ceremony that was livestreamed on Netflix.
    Claire Franken, TVLine, 23 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • For decades afterward and until the advent of internet telephony, Druze families divided by the armistice lines who wanted to communicate with one another did so via megaphone in an area that came to be known as Shouting Hill.
    Uriel Heilman, New York Daily News, 2 Mar. 2025
  • Primary care has long been associated with the image of a busy doctor, divided between patients and the administrative grind.
    Stephen Wunker, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • In three years, the U.S. Congress has allocated more than $175 billion in security and development assistance to Kyiv, according to the Congressional Research Service.
    Brian Bennett, TIME, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Apart from gaming, the group is also deepening its investment in the energy sector, allocating $1.3 billion in a floating liquified natural gas project in Indonesia.
    Yessar Rosendar, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Dole out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dole%20out. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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