dole

noun

ˈdōl How to pronounce dole (audio)
Definition of dolenext
as in philanthropy
the giving of necessities and especially money to the needy a millionaire who was known for his annual Christmas dole to needy-looking strangers he met on the street

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 Residents also grew frustrated, as migrants reluctantly snared in endless court proceedings appeared to be gaming the system and living off the taxpayers’ dole. — Julia Preston, Foreign Affairs, 25 Oct. 2024 The author of that piece criticized the Social Security Administration for not updating a listing of jobs that benefit applicants might be able to do instead of going on the government dole collecting disability benefits. — Tom Margenau, Dallas News, 29 Jan. 2023 As recently as 2017, a dole of about 100 baby loggerhead turtles emerged from their eggs and began their journey from the sand to the sea on Assateague Island National Seashore. — Kristian Jaime, Baltimore Sun, 25 July 2022 As with other American officials feted in Azerbaijan on the regime’s dole, Cuellar routinely stumped for Azeri oil interests—helping the regime profit that much further. — Casey Michel, The New Republic, 26 Jan. 2022
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dole
  1. philanthropy
  2. charity
  3. welfare
Noun
  • The showcase is supported by Allison Sarofim, the chair of Friends of the CFDA known for her work in the arts, film, fashion, beauty, and philanthropy.
    — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026
  • One of the most beloved celebrities of all time, her passing inspired a tidal wave of tributes from around the world, with Parton remembered not just for her music but for her acting career, decades of philanthropy and advocacy.
    — Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of philanthropy
Noun
  • The fallout cost Ferguson charity affiliations, contributed to the closure of Sarah's Trust and damaged several of her business ventures.
    — Lauryn Overhultz , Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Funds from the endowment were distributed to Arkansas charities and nonprofit organizations.
    — Dylan Sherman, Arkansas Online, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of charity
Noun
  • Falling birth rates, even in countries like Norway with strong social-welfare systems in place, worry many kinds of experts.
    — Bethanne Patrick, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The policy says district officials should consider the student’s age, grade level, welfare, and other relevant information when deciding whether to withhold the information from parents.
    — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of welfare

Phrases Containing dole

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doldrums
dole
doled out
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Cite this Entry

“Dole.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dole. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on dole

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about dole

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