deal 1 of 3

as in ton
a considerable amount there is a great deal of waste in government

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

deal

2 of 3

noun (2)

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2
3
4
as in situation
position with regard to conditions and circumstances we don't yet know what the deal is with the new manager

Synonyms & Similar Words

5
as in bargain
something bought or offered for sale at a desirable price that mail-order sweater isn't such a great deal after you factor in the cost of shipping and handling

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

deal

3 of 3

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb deal differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of deal are dispense, distribute, divide, and dole out. While all these words mean "to give out, usually in shares, to each member of a group," deal emphasizes the allotment of something piece by piece.

deal out equipment and supplies

When could dispense be used to replace deal?

In some situations, the words dispense and deal are roughly equivalent. However, 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 distribute a more appropriate choice than deal?

Although the words distribute and deal have much in common, distribute implies an apportioning by separation of something into parts, units, or amounts.

distributed food to the needy

When can divide be used instead of deal?

The words divide and deal are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, divide stresses the separation of a whole into parts and implies that the parts are equal.

three charitable groups divided the proceeds

When is it sensible to use dole out instead of deal?

The synonyms dole out and deal are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 deal
Noun
The expectation is that guard Dru Smith will return to the Heat on a two-way deal, as Miami extended a two-way qualifying offer to him. Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 1 July 2025 The four-year deal reportedly has a total value of $285 million and contractually ties the reigning league MVP to the Thunder through the 2030-31 season. Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025
Verb
Update: This article was updated on July 11, 2025 to note that Ferrero and its affiliates have acquired at least 21 companies in 9 countries since 2015, with eight deals in the U.S. since 2017 before the WK Kellogg deal. Giacomo Tognini, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025 The Bulls have already tried to deal Vučević to the Warriors once in a trade deadline deal that was smothered, in part, by the Jimmy Butler move with the Miami Heat. Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for deal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deal
Verb
  • Baltimore's core is still very young and talented, but there are a few veterans on expiring deals who should be traded.
    Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 July 2025
  • Lukas Dostal, 25, is now the Anaheim Ducks’ undisputed No. 1 goaltender after veteran John Gibson was traded to the Detroit Red Wings on June 28.
    Carol Schram, Forbes.com, 5 July 2025
Verb
  • In a world where AI agents will negotiate contracts, manage assets, and execute decisions, this kind of integration isn’t a novelty.
    Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
  • Instead, there’s more public bickering and negotiating.
    Matt Hayes, The Tennessean, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • The company, founded in 1946, sells products in more than 170 countries.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 10 July 2025
  • Unlike many of his peers, Leadon hasn’t sold his publishing.
    Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • According to the outlet, Diana was known to use her getaway during the last year of her life to bargain with paparazzi, who were eager to take photos of her in stylish swimsuits.
    Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 13 July 2025
  • Whether Drescher or someone else, the person leading the guild next year will have a herculean task ahead of them as SAG-AFTRA returns to the negotiating table with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, which collectively bargains on behalf of the major Hollywood studios.
    Katie Campione, Deadline, 11 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Deal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deal. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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