deal 1 of 3

Definition of dealnext

deal

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noun (2)

1
2
3
4
as in situation
position with regard to conditions and circumstances we don't yet know what the deal is with the new manager

Synonyms & Similar Words

5
as in bargain
something bought or offered for sale at a desirable price that mail-order sweater isn't such a great deal after you factor in the cost of shipping and handling

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb deal differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of deal are dispense, distribute, divide, and dole out. While all these words mean "to give out, usually in shares, to each member of a group," deal emphasizes the allotment of something piece by piece.

deal out equipment and supplies

When could dispense be used to replace deal?

In some situations, the words dispense and deal are roughly equivalent. However, 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

When is distribute a more appropriate choice than deal?

Although the words distribute and deal have much in common, distribute implies an apportioning by separation of something into parts, units, or amounts.

distributed food to the needy

When can divide be used instead of deal?

The words divide and deal are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, divide stresses the separation of a whole into parts and implies that the parts are equal.

three charitable groups divided the proceeds

When is it sensible to use dole out instead of deal?

The synonyms dole out and deal are sometimes interchangeable, but dole out implies a carefully measured portion of something that is often in short supply.

doled out what little food there was

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 deal
Noun
There are deals on cold weather essentials from North Face starting as low as $39, 50% off select products during Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty Event and discounts on outdoor furniture at Walmart. Josh Feldman, NBC news, 2 Sep. 2026 Lucky for me, Spanx’s Labor Day weekend sale begins today and has deals on wrinkle-resistant bottoms, elegant jumpsuits, and more for my fall trips. Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 2 Sep. 2026
Verb
The right-hander was dealt to the Rays at the trade deadline after a rough half of a season with the Mets after the offseason deal that brought him over from Milwaukee. James O'Connell, New York Daily News, 31 Aug. 2026 Quinn Ewers was dealt Jacksonville Jaguars Saturday in exchange for a 2028 sixth-round pick. Miami Herald, 30 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for deal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deal
Noun
  • The company said its new 50,000-metric-ton plant in Qidong, China, produced its first commercial batches of Xatryx bioTHF and bioPTMEG in August, roughly four months after reaching mechanical completion.
    Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Sugo is a fantastic circuit—not too long, tons of elevation change, plenty of very satisfying mid-speed corners, and some beautiful views.
    Adam Ismail, The Drive, 3 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • According to the investigation, the Clippers broke league rules by initiating off-court income opportunities and facilitating endorsement agreements between Leonard and four companies that also did business with the team.
    Josh Feldman, NBC news, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Hours after City lost 3-0 to Arsenal in Cardiff, news broke of an agreement with Barcelona for Rodri.
    Tim Spiers, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Where companies such as Zero and Stark have pushed hard to gain high output numbers in order to win sales, Bonnell hopes to win them by building e-bikes that appeal to riders and enthusiasts at a more visceral level.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The timing of the sale was a shock to much of the organization, though the decision to move on was less surprising.
    Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • This is a massive season for a fourth-year player who could be in line for a hefty second contract.
    Alec Lewis, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Summary The Philadelphia Phillies dramatically cut Nick Castellanos before the season, despite his significant contract and a key role in their 2022 World Series appearance.
    Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The Samuels’ run, however, was the spark that lit the fuse after the Caravan was denied on a fourth-and-short situation on its opening possession.
    Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Meanwhile, Fed policy uncertainty, the Middle East situation, and an earnings season burdened with high expectations could all act as catalysts for fresh turbulence.
    , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Sangare’s fast start to life at Brentford is a reminder that bargains exist further afield.
    Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • There’s something for everyone, from music lovers to bargain hunters, craft aficionados to car enthusiasts.
    Lesly Gregory, AJC.com, 1 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • In addition, key agricultural futures including rice, cotton, and corn have also rallied significantly since the beginning of the year, with most currently trading around their highest levels in three years.
    , CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026
  • After nine months at sea, the sailors and Marines of the USS Abraham Lincoln are trading their cargo pants and boots for shorts and flip-flops.
    Sam Winslade, NBC news, 3 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • As Kroenke and Moreno negotiated a sale, change was already underway.
    Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Ironically, the aesthetic language of the old colonial overlords helped negotiate between conflicting sensitivities and aspirations.
    Justin Davidson, Curbed, 2 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Deal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deal. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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