dole out

verb

Definition of dole outnext
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 My conclusion, not to spoil the ending, is that the real bonus offered by a meal kit is sauces, spices, and flavors, doled out in small portions rather than large jars. —Matthew Korfhage, Wired News, 18 May 2025 The non-top-placing queens are tasked to dole out their individual points face-to-face. —Chris Feil, Vulture, 9 May 2025 And Strasbourg, France — a location that cut the Top 5 to the Top 4 — continued doling out the surprises, this time with the Race’s rarely seen Head-to-Head competition. —Nick Caruso, TVLine, 7 May 2025 In spring 2025, the group has been doling out new tunes from the upcoming re-release. —Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for dole out
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dole out
  1. distribute
  2. dispense
  3. provide
  4. hand out
  5. divide
  6. allocate
Verb
  • Today, Last Rhino distributes across Virginia, D.C., Maryland, and a bit of West Virginia, with plans to expand into North Carolina next.
    — Emily Price, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
  • The New Neighbor City Services Guide will be distributed to new residents and those relocating within the city via a postcard with a link to access the digital guide.
    — Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 2 June 2025
Definition of distribute
Verb
  • In 2022, American pharmacies dispensed 26.8 million prescriptions, and consumers purchased an additional 62.7 million over-the-counter packages of these medicines from U.S. retail outlets.
    — Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 30 May 2025
  • Nearly a year after announcing their partnership, Nike and Lego are dispensing with the details on what their collaboration will look like.
    — Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 29 May 2025
Definition of dispense
Verb
  • The spiral layer also provides a deeper exfoliation that scrapes off dead cells, resulting in smoother, silkier skin.
    — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 May 2025
  • The $10,000 donation will help support programs that strengthen communities and provide resources for individuals and families, the release said.
    — Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 26 May 2025
Definition of provide
Verb
  • Sankey handed out info packets to reporters Thursday detailing the SEC’s schedule strength superiority over the past decade.
    — Joe Rexrode, New York Times, 30 May 2025
  • Tour, the Australian Open handed out titles earlier this year, when the competition unfolded between Jan. 12 and Jan. 26 in Melbourne.
    — Stacy Lambe, People.com, 30 May 2025
Definition of hand out
Verb
  • Divided Society Finally, the uneven distribution of access to and benefits from humanoid technology could divide society even further.
    — Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
  • These changes, called genetic mutations, cause bone marrow cells to grow and divide too quickly.11 Experts don’t fully understand why these genetic mutations happen.
    — Health, Health, 24 May 2025
Definition of divide
Verb
  • CMOs should allocate at least 10% of their marketing budget to Hispanic-specific programs that leverage culturally relevant channels and messaging.
    — Isaac Mizrahi, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
  • The housing association is an independent nonprofit created by the Legislature and tasked with allocating these credits.
    — Rose Evans, Idaho Statesman, 23 May 2025
Definition of allocate

Browse Nearby Words

dolefulness
dole out
doles
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dole out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dole%20out. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

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