distribute

verb

di-ˈstri-byüt How to pronounce distribute (audio)
Definition of distributenext
1
as in to classify
to arrange or assign according to type distribute the assignments according to seniority

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to allot
to give as a share or portion committed to distributing the school's limited scholarship money so that it benefits more students

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to dispense
to give out (something) to appropriate individuals distributed pamphlets on recycling to everyone in the neighborhood

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb distribute differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of distribute are deal, dispense, divide, and dole out. While all these words mean "to give out, usually in shares, to each member of a group," distribute implies an apportioning by separation of something into parts, units, or amounts.

distributed food to the needy

When can deal be used instead of distribute?

While the synonyms deal and distribute are close in meaning, deal emphasizes the allotment of something piece by piece.

deal out equipment and supplies

In what contexts can dispense take the place of distribute?

The synonyms dispense and distribute are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 divide a more appropriate choice than distribute?

In some situations, the words divide and distribute are roughly equivalent. However, divide stresses the separation of a whole into parts and implies that the parts are equal.

three charitable groups divided the proceeds

When could dole out be used to replace distribute?

While in some cases nearly identical to distribute, 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 distribute The trust’s beneficiaries—his solicitor Diana Rawstron and his daughter Rose Boyt—were instructed to distribute it according to his private wishes. —Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025 Big Grove distributes its products in six different states. —Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 8 Sep. 2025 Les Films Opale and Entract will co-distribute in Canada. —Jennie Punter, Variety, 8 Sep. 2025 YouTube has had a partnership with the NFL since signing on to distribute its Sunday Ticket streaming package in 2023. —Dade Hayes, Deadline, 8 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for distribute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distribute
  1. classify
  2. allot
  3. dispense
  4. rank
  5. assign
  6. provide
  7. distinguish
  8. allocate
Verb
  • Forbes classifies Ellison–who bought nearly all of the Hawaiian island Lanai for $300 million in 2012–as a California resident based on his voter registration.
    — Ella Malmgren, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Arguing that relocation can stem the loss of biodiversity, the government has classified some islands used by Nicobarese tribals as wildlife sanctuaries.
    — M. Rajshekhar, Time, 11 Sep. 2025
Definition of classify
Verb
  • But with age, the number of chances you’re allotted go down.
    — Mirjam Swanson, Oc Register, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Jessi wasn’t allowed to close the door of the bathroom and was allotted seven minutes to shower.
    — Christine Pelisek, People.com, 1 Sep. 2025
Definition of allot
Verb
  • But here, your character dispenses all that great wisdom about how to succeed in Vegas, but the character has evolved into also being a dangerous man who orders broken bones and killings of those who cross him.
    — Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 11 Sep. 2025
  • The Phillies may want to take note of that fact Thomson dispensed, because having one of those 34 players that have ever accomplished a feat of such impressive magnitude on your team is a pretty serious advantage.
    — Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Sep. 2025
Definition of dispense
Verb
  • The Charlie Kirk Show, which recorded over 750 episodes and has been ranked in the top 10 of Apple podcasts, is known for conservative takes on politics.
    — Richard Hall, Time, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Kirk, a prominent voice in culture wars on college campuses, hosts a daily radio show and podcast, The Charlie Kirk Show, which ranks among the top 10 on Apple News’ list of top podcasts and has a strong Gen Z fan base.
    — Zachary Folk, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Definition of rank
Verb
  • His initial mentality is to be efficient while getting the necessary outs that are assigned.
    — Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 10 Sep. 2025
  • As Oracle matures from a high-growth story to a large-cap dividend play, the market might assign lower multiples than our 40x assumption, particularly if interest rates remain elevated.
    — Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Definition of assign
Verb
  • The triangular lights have a solar panel on the long, top side that generates power throughout the day to provide up to eight hours of lighting overnight.
    — Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Dario Essugo and Andrey Santos (following his return from Strasbourg on loan) provide more options in midfield.
    — James McNicholas, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
Definition of provide
Verb
  • The Code does not distinguish between voluntary and involuntary expatriation.
    — Virginia La Torre Jeker, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Its data did not distinguish between civilians and combatants.
    — Amira El-Fekki‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
Definition of distinguish
Verb
  • Foreign-aid organizations challenged the administration's ability to refuse to spend funds already allocated by Congress.
    — Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The grants were allocated under President Joe Biden's signature Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, an anti-gun violence law signed after the mass school shooting in Uvalde, Texas.
    — Oren Oppenheim, ABC News, 9 Sep. 2025
Definition of allocate

Browse Nearby Words

distributary
distribute
distributed
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Distribute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distribute. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.

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