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Definitions

dispense

[dih-spens] / dɪˈspɛns /
VERB
dole out supply
Synonyms
STRONGEST
allocate allot disburse distribute furnish give away hand out
STRONG
apportion assign deal divide give lot measure partition portion prepare prorate share
WEAK
come across with deal out dish out divvy fork out give with hand over mete out shell out
Antonyms
STRONGEST
conceal hide hoard hold keep retain secret
STRONG
attach collect combine disorganize gather join unite withhold
WEAK
receive take
VERB
operate, administer
Synonyms
STRONGEST
apply discharge enforce
STRONG
command direct execute handle implement manage maneuver manipulate swing undertake wield
WEAK
carry out
Antonyms
STRONG
disregard fail forget leave alone mismanage neglect
WEAK
receive take
VERB
exempt from responsibility
Synonyms
STRONGEST
discharge
STRONG
absolve except excuse exonerate release relieve reprieve spare
WEAK
let off privilege from
Antonyms
STRONG
accuse blame charge condemn hold incriminate sentence
WEAK
receive take

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.

In the months after the FDA’s announcement, his organization repeatedly warned its members not to dispense peptides.

From Salon • Apr. 4, 2026

Welcome to “Comedy & ‘Therapy,’ ” a monthly event at the cafe Coffee Confessionals, in which comedians on stage dispense advice to audience members in the crowd.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 26, 2026

Japanese researchers have unveiled a robot monk powered by AI that they say can dispense spiritual advice, and which could one day ease shortages of its human counterparts.

From Barron's • Feb. 26, 2026

It also meant they could dispense with the services of a book keeper, saving over £6000 a year.

From BBC • Jan. 8, 2026

The next day commenced as before, getting up and dressing by rushlight; but this morning we were obliged to dispense with the ceremony of washing; the water in the pitchers was frozen.

From "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë

Vocabulary lists containing dispense

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