dispensation
noun
dis·pen·sa·tion
ˌdi-spən-ˈsā-shən 
-ˌspen-
1
a
: a general state or ordering of things
specifically
: a system of revealed (see reveal entry 1 sense 1) commands and promises regulating human affairs
a privilege maintained under the new dispensation
b
: a particular arrangement or provision especially of providence or nature
involving special dispensation by the Church
2
a
: an exemption from a law or from an impediment, vow, or oath
may be granted a dispensation from the rule
b
: a formal authorization
requested a dispensation to form another lodge
3
a
: the act of dispensing
the dispensation of medication
b
: something dispensed or distributed
… one of the most remarkable cultural dispensations in the country's history, the paperback book.—
T. E. Cooney
T. E. CooneyExamples of dispensation in a Sentence
The priest asked for dispensation from his vows.
The state gave the town a special dispensation, allowing it to ignore the law in this case.
Recent Examples on the Web
Mandatory spending — the dispensation of Social Security checks, for example — continues.
—Niall Stanage, The Hill, 1 Oct. 2025
But, of course, that doesn’t necessarily count for much in the current dispensation, where reality is becoming a Choose Your Own Adventure story.
—Bill McKibben, New Yorker, 3 Sep. 2025
All this unfolds while the days count down, flagged by bold onscreen graphics, to the Day Zero when Teresa will get her papal dispensation and leave the convent to start her new order.
—Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 27 Aug. 2025
In 2023, Jannik Sinner was required to seek out special dispensation from the International Tennis Federation, Association of Tennis Professionals and Wimbledon just in order to switch out his all-white duffle bag for a Gucci monogrammed holdall.
—Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dispensation
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.
Niall Stanage, The Hill, 1 Oct. 2025
But, of course, that doesn’t necessarily count for much in the current dispensation, where reality is becoming a Choose Your Own Adventure story.
—Bill McKibben, New Yorker, 3 Sep. 2025
All this unfolds while the days count down, flagged by bold onscreen graphics, to the Day Zero when Teresa will get her papal dispensation and leave the convent to start her new order.
—Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 27 Aug. 2025
In 2023, Jannik Sinner was required to seek out special dispensation from the International Tennis Federation, Association of Tennis Professionals and Wimbledon just in order to switch out his all-white duffle bag for a Gucci monogrammed holdall.
—Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dispensation
Cite this Entry
“Dispensation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dispensation. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
dispensation
noun
dis·pen·sa·tion
ˌdis-pən-ˈsā-shən
-ˌpen-
1
a
: a system of rules for ordering affairs
b
: a particular arrangement especially of nature
2
: release from a rule or from a vow or oath
3
a
: the act of dispensing
b
: something dispensed or distributed
Medical Definition
dispensation
noun
dis·pen·sa·tion
ˌdis-pən-ˈsā-shən, -ˌpen-
: the act of dispensing
the dispensation of medicines
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share