dispense
11 synonyms and 1 antonym for dispense, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To give out or distribute something, especially in measured amounts.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use dispense
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
dispense advice
dispense with formalities
dispense medication
Etymology
From Old French dispenser, from Latin dispensare, "to weigh out, distribute, manage" — from dis- ("apart") + pendere ("to weigh").
Full origin of dispense →Frequently asked questions
What does “dispense” mean?
The word “dispense” means to give out or distribute something, especially in measured amounts. In plain terms, to hand something out, or (with "with") to skip something unnecessary.
How do you pronounce “dispense”?
“Dispense” is pronounced dih-SPEHNS (/dɪˈspɛns/ in IPA).
How do you use “dispense” in a sentence?
Here is “dispense” used in a sentence: “The machine dispenses hot drinks at the push of a button.”
What part of speech is “dispense”?
“Dispense” is a verb.
Where does the word “dispense” come from?
The word “dispense” comes from Latin. From Old French dispenser, from Latin dispensare, "to weigh out, distribute, manage" — from dis- ("apart") + pendere ("to weigh").
Is “dispense” a common word?
“Dispense” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “dispense” have?
“Dispense” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to give out or distribute something, especially in measured amounts.
