dole out

verb

doled out; doling out; doles out
Synonyms of dole outnext

transitive verb

1
: to give or deliver in small portions
2
: dish out

Synonyms of dole out

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Choose the Right Synonym for dole out

distribute, dispense, divide, deal, dole out mean to give out, usually in shares, to each member of a group.

distribute implies an apportioning by separation of something into parts, units, or amounts.

distributed food to the needy

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

divide stresses the separation of a whole into parts and implies that the parts are equal.

three charitable groups divided the proceeds

deal emphasizes the allotment of something piece by piece.

deal out equipment and supplies

dole out implies a carefully measured portion of something that is often in short supply.

doled out what little food there was

Examples of dole out in a Sentence

she doles out office supplies as if she were paying for them out of her own pocket
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Cubanski said the Medicare rebate payments were being doled out when Americans were feeling the bite of higher food, energy and gas prices. — ABC News, 7 Oct. 2026 Damo, Brick Savage, Kushida, Ikuro Kwon, Okumira, Josef Samael and Sentai Death Squad are the members of the group eager to dole out punishment to anyone who steps to them. — Ryan Gaydos Outkick, FOXNews.com, 6 Oct. 2026 America’s democracy does not exist to dole out power to political parties. — The Denver Post Editorial Board, Denver Post, 6 Oct. 2026 The expectation for higher spending could be contributed to current inflationary pricing as shoppers prepare to dole out more money due to higher costs. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 5 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dole out

Word History

First Known Use

1749, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dole out was in 1749

Rhymes for dole out

See All Rhymes for dole out

Browse Nearby Words

dolentissimo
dole out
dolerite
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Cite this Entry

“Dole out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dole%20out. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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