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. CooneySynonyms
Examples 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
The last-minute dispensations happen for every show.
—Bryan West, USA TODAY, 30 Oct. 2024
Yes, the emerging dispensation has room for a few Rogan-level leading lights.
—Ross Douthat, The Mercury News, 16 Oct. 2024
Should there be an appetite for a new treaty, all 27 member states would have to agree to give the Netherlands special dispensation.
—Molly Quell and Raf Casert, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2024
Unwilling to reduce its power in any significant way or accept a change in the country’s political dispensation, the Afghan government didn’t want to negotiate with the Taliban.
—Vanda Felbab-Brown, Foreign Affairs, 17 Aug. 2021
See all Example Sentences for dispensation 
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Bryan West, USA TODAY, 30 Oct. 2024
Yes, the emerging dispensation has room for a few Rogan-level leading lights.
—Ross Douthat, The Mercury News, 16 Oct. 2024
Should there be an appetite for a new treaty, all 27 member states would have to agree to give the Netherlands special dispensation.
—Molly Quell and Raf Casert, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2024
Unwilling to reduce its power in any significant way or accept a change in the country’s political dispensation, the Afghan government didn’t want to negotiate with the Taliban.
—Vanda Felbab-Brown, Foreign Affairs, 17 Aug. 2021
See all Example Sentences for dispensation
Dictionary Entries Near dispensation
Cite this Entry
“Dispensation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dispensation. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
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
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