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dole out

verb
doled out; doling out; doles out

Definition of dole out

transitive verb

1 : to give or deliver in small portions
2 : dish out
Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym Learn More about dole out

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Choose the Right Synonym for dole out

distribute, dispense, divide, deal, dole out 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 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 divide stresses the separation of a whole into parts and implies that the parts are equal. three charitable groups divided the proceeds deal emphasizes the allotment of something piece by piece. deal out equipment and supplies dole out implies a carefully measured portion of something that is often in short supply. doled out what little food there was

First Known Use of dole out

1749, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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