disburse

[dis-burs] / dɪsˈbɜrs /

VERB

spend money

Synonyms

STRONGEST

contribute dispense distribute expend pony up

STRONG

acquit deal defray disperse divide give partition use

WEAK

ante up come across come through come up with cough up divvy dole out foot the bill lay out measure out outlay pay out put out shell out

Antonyms

STRONGEST

hold keep take

STRONG

attach collect combine gather join unite

WEAK

deposit hoard retain save set aside

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

This means the sponsor isn’t legally required to disburse funds as the DAF donor requests.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026

"The Commission may not disburse EU funds to a member state until the required legislative reforms are in force and are effectively being applied," a court statement said.

From Barron's • Feb. 12, 2026

Dame Clare Moriarty, chief executive of the charity, Citizens Advice, said she would like to see the sector work quickly to disburse compensation to the worst affected.

From BBC • May 27, 2025

How should citizens protesting be informed that an escalation of force is occurring so they can disburse before it’s too late?

From Slate • Jan. 15, 2025

Mom and Dad took Laleh trick-or-treating, while I was assigned to monitor the house and disburse candy as necessary.

From "Darius the Great Is Not Okay" by Adib Khorram

Vocabulary lists containing disburse

"The Tragedy of Macbeth," Vocabulary from Act 1

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Commonly Confused Words, List 4

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

The Cuckoo's Calling

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!