dispense
verb
dis·pense
di-ˈspen(t)s 
dispensed; dispensing
1
a
: to divide and share out according to a plan : to deal out in portions
dispense food among the needy
b
: administer
dispense justice
2
: to exempt from a law or release from a vow, oath, or impediment : to give dispensation (see dispensation sense 2a) to : exempt
may dispense students from this requirement
3
: to prepare and distribute (medication)
dispensing pills to their patients
archaic
: to grant dispensation
Synonyms
Examples of dispense in a Sentence
The ATM only dispenses $20 bills.
a newspaper columnist who dispenses advice to millions of readers each week
Pharmacists are certified to dispense medication.
Recent Examples on the Web
With that, they’re equipped with the energy and focus to dispense their own pep talks again.
—
Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 16 Nov. 2024
In January 2023, Sinema, speaking in Davos, Switzerland, told many of the world’s wealthiest and most influential leaders there was no need to dispense with the legislative filibuster after the 2022 midterms two months earlier.
—Ronald J. Hansen, The Arizona Republic, 12 Nov. 2024
Biden’s strategy of slowly dispensing allied weapons stocks telegraphs to U.S. adversaries the limits of Washington’s support and the fragility of its commitment to Kyiv’s success.
—Kori Schake, Foreign Affairs, 8 Nov. 2024
That unit dispenses prescriptions in CVS’ more than 9,000 retail pharmacies and provides other pharmacy services, such as vaccinations and diagnostic testing.
—Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for dispense 
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Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 16 Nov. 2024
In January 2023, Sinema, speaking in Davos, Switzerland, told many of the world’s wealthiest and most influential leaders there was no need to dispense with the legislative filibuster after the 2022 midterms two months earlier.
—Ronald J. Hansen, The Arizona Republic, 12 Nov. 2024
Biden’s strategy of slowly dispensing allied weapons stocks telegraphs to U.S. adversaries the limits of Washington’s support and the fragility of its commitment to Kyiv’s success.
—Kori Schake, Foreign Affairs, 8 Nov. 2024
That unit dispenses prescriptions in CVS’ more than 9,000 retail pharmacies and provides other pharmacy services, such as vaccinations and diagnostic testing.
—Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for dispense
Dictionary Entries Near dispense
Cite this Entry
“Dispense.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dispense. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
dispense
verb
dis·pense
dis-ˈpen(t)s
dispensed; dispensing
1
a
: to give out in shares
dispense charity
b
: to give out as deserved
dispense justice
2
: to prepare and give out (medicines)
Medical Definition
dispense
transitive verb
dis·pense
dis-ˈpen(t)s
dispensed; dispensing
1
: to put up (a prescription or medicine)
2
: to prepare and distribute (medication)
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