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

Examples 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 One half of the scheme would automatically dole out relief to current borrowers whom ED believes are likely to default on their loans. —

Preston Cooper, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024 Held at the Fairmont Century Plaza, the event will see lifetime achievement awards doled out to Robinson, a music legend who was the founder and frontman of the pioneering Motown vocal group the Miracles, and Sunshine, a veteran public relations executive, strategist and political activist. —

Chris Gardner, The Hollywood Reporter, 31 Oct. 2024 However, those without significant funds to dole out to campaigns do not represent most of the MAGA base. —

Nina Turner, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024 During the pandemic, Ohio Department of Job and Family Services doled out $7.6 billion between mid-2020 and mid-2021. —

Jessie Balmert, The Enquirer, 24 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for dole out

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dole out

Verb

In New Jersey, rain is usually distributed evenly over the months, state climatologist Dave Robinson said.

Melissa Chan, NBC News, 13 Nov. 2024
Mubi distributes the film throughout most of Europe and Latin America, while A24 distributes in the USA.

Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 7 Nov. 2024