DISTRIBUTE Synonyms: 134 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'distribute' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of distribute are deal , dispense , divide , and dole out . While all these words 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

Q: When can 'deal' be used instead of 'distribute'?

While the synonyms deal and distribute are close in meaning, deal emphasizes the allotment of something piece by piece. // deal out equipment and supplies

Q: In what contexts can 'dispense' take the place of 'distribute'?

The synonyms dispense and distribute are sometimes interchangeable, 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: When is 'divide' a more appropriate choice than 'distribute'?

In some situations, the words divide and distribute are roughly equivalent. However, divide stresses the separation of a whole into parts and implies that the parts are equal. // three charitable groups divided the proceeds

Q: When could 'dole out' be used to replace 'distribute'?

While in some cases nearly identical to distribute , dole out implies a carefully measured portion of something that is often in short supply. // doled out what little food there was

distribute

verb

di-ˈstri-byüt

Definition of distribute

as in to classify

to arrange or assign according to type distribute the assignments according to seniority

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to allot

to give as a share or portion committed to distributing the school's limited scholarship money so that it benefits more students

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to dispense

to give out (something) to appropriate individuals distributed pamphlets on recycling to everyone in the neighborhood

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb distribute differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of distribute are deal, dispense, divide, and dole out. While all these words 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

When can deal be used instead of distribute?

While the synonyms deal and distribute are close in meaning, deal emphasizes the allotment of something piece by piece.

deal out equipment and supplies

In what contexts can dispense take the place of distribute?

The synonyms dispense and distribute are sometimes interchangeable, 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

When is divide a more appropriate choice than distribute?

In some situations, the words divide and distribute are roughly equivalent. However, divide stresses the separation of a whole into parts and implies that the parts are equal.

three charitable groups divided the proceeds

When could dole out be used to replace distribute?

While in some cases nearly identical to distribute, 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 distribute The University of Maryland's (UMD) tennis club has issued a public apology for distributing a flyer to other schools that included racist imagery after Howard University's tennis club called for more accountability regarding the incident. — Bryan Lynn, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026 Since its founding, the gala has helped DAC distribute millions of dollars in financial aid to members of the dance community facing life-threatening illness, helping ensure that no dancer faces cancer alone. — Paul Grein, Billboard, 15 Oct. 2026 The product was distributed in six states, including both Carolinas. — Eva Flowe october 15, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2026 Teo said the government had begun preparations weeks earlier to support residents, including distributing masks to those most in need. — Jenny Lee,zechariah Chan, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for distribute

Recent Examples of Synonyms for distribute

Verb

Improvements to LinkedIn’s detection systems have resulted in a 40% decline in views of content classified as AI slop, the platform said last month.

— Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2026
Just 9% of Porter’s 3-point attempts were classified as wide open, the lowest share among 307 players who took at least 100 3s.

— C.J. Holmes, New York Daily News, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of classify

Verb

Insider tip If your schedule permits, allot at least two days here.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Oct. 2026
Hinson said the bill’s reductions to Medicaid spending for Iowa will be offset by the Rural Health Transformation Program, which allots $50 billion divided among all 50 states over the next five years.

— Gabrielle M. Etzel, The Washington Examiner, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of allot

Verb

The Chiefs also entered the week ranked second in EPA per rush, which would be their best mark this decade.

— Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 19 Oct. 2026
After allowing four sacks and managing 33 rushing yards against the Bears, TCU ranks last in the Big 12 in rushing yards and sacks allowed.

— Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of rank

Verb

On the aesthetic front, Vanadium Grey Metallic accents on the sideview-mirror covers, the wheels, the model-designation decals on the doors, and on the badge at the rear help distinguish the latest Carrera T from its siblings.

— Bradley Iger, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2026
For Jekyll-Hyde, the costumes are crucial and add to the characterization, distinguishing the two men inhabiting the same body.

— Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of distinguish

Verb

There are obviously endless options for how the money could be allocated.

— Trey Wallace OutKick, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2026
For some young investors, that means money originally allocated to long-term strategies is being funneled to activities built around immediate outcomes.

— Aneri Jambusaria, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of allocate

Browse Nearby Words

distributary

distribute

distributed

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Distribute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distribute. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of distribute

verb

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

jilt

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Can' vs. 'May'

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

More Commonly Mispronounced Words

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Did 'orange' the fruit or the color come first?

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes