Distribute — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /di-ˈstri-byüt/ dis·trib·ute

Meaning & Definition of Distribute

Distribute (verb)

  1. to divide among several or many, apportion
  2. to spread out so as to cover something, scatter
  3. to give out or deliver especially to members of a group

Distribute (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to arrange or assign according to type

    "distribute the assignments according to seniority"

    similar: assort, break down, categorize, class, classify, codify, compartment, compartmentalize, digest, distinguish, grade, group, peg, place, range, rank, relegate, separate, sort, type
    related: array, dispose, draw up, marshal, order, organize, systematize, alphabetize, catalog, file, index, list, refer, pigeonhole, shelve, identify, recognize, cull, screen, set, sieve, sift, winnow, clump, cluster, colligate, recategorize, reclassify, regroup, subcategorize
    near: confuse, disarrange, jumble, lump, mix (up), scramble, misclassify, missort, mistype

  2. to give as a share or portion

    "committed to distributing the school's limited scholarship money so that it benefits more students"

    similar: allocate, allot, allow, apportion, assign, lot, ration
    related: admeasure, administer, deal, dispense, divide, dole out, hand out, measure, mete (out), meter, parcel (out), part, portion, prorate, share (out), split, accord, award, give, grant, earmark, reserve, chip in, contribute, donate, reallocate, reapportion, reassign, redistribute
    near: begrudge, deny, deprive (of), keep, retain, stint, withhold, appropriate, arrogate, confiscate

  3. to give out (something) to appropriate individuals

    "distributed pamphlets on recycling to everyone in the neighborhood"

    similar: administer, allocate, apportion, deal (out), dispense, dole out, hand out, mete (out), parcel (out), portion, prorate
    related: admeasure, allot, allow, appropriate, assign, dish out, divide, divvy (up), dollop (out), lot, measure (out), part, proportion, ration, redistribute, set, share (out), split, bestow, disburse, furnish, issue, provide, share, supply, circulate, disperse, disseminate, scatter, spread, chip in, contribute, donate, pledge, reallocate, reapportion
    opposite: misallocate
    near: begrudge, decline, deny, deprive (of), disallow, refuse, reject, withhold, niggle (out), pinch, skimp, stint

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Distribute

The most common words with a similar meaning to Distribute:

assort, break down, categorize, class, classify, codify, compartment, compartmentalize, digest, distinguish, grade, group, peg, place, range, rank, relegate, separate, sort, type, allocate, allot, allow, apportion, assign, lot, ration, administer, deal (out), dispense, dole out, hand out, mete (out), parcel (out), portion, prorate

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Distribute

Words with the opposite meaning of Distribute:

misallocate

Related Words for Distribute

array, dispose, draw up, marshal, order, organize, systematize, alphabetize, catalog, file, index, list, refer, pigeonhole, shelve, identify, recognize, cull, screen, set, sieve, sift, winnow, clump, cluster, colligate, recategorize, reclassify, regroup, subcategorize

Near Antonyms of Distribute

confuse, disarrange, jumble, lump, mix (up), scramble, misclassify, missort, mistype, begrudge, deny, deprive (of), keep, retain, stint, withhold, appropriate, arrogate, confiscate, decline, disallow, refuse, reject, niggle (out), pinch, skimp

Word Forms of Distribute

Inflections: distributed, distributing

Derived words: distributee (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Distribute

Middle English, from Latin distributus, past participle of distribuere, from dis- + tribuere to allot tribute

First known use: 15th centuryt

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Distribute

Frequently Asked Questions about Distribute

What does "Distribute" mean?

"Distribute" means to divide among several or many, apportion. As a verb, it is defined as: to divide among several or many, apportion. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Distribute"?

Other words for "Distribute" include assort, break down, categorize, class, classify, codify, compartment and compartmentalize. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Distribute" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Distribute"?

There are 106 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Distribute". Common alternatives include assort, break down, categorize, class, classify, codify, compartment, compartmentalize, digest and distinguish.

What is the opposite of "Distribute"?

Antonyms of "Distribute" include misallocate. Near antonyms include confuse, disarrange, jumble and lump.

How do you use "Distribute" in a sentence?

Examples of "Distribute" in a sentence: "distribute the assignments according to seniority"; "committed to distributing the school's limited scholarship money so that it benefits more students"; "distributed pamphlets on recycling to everyone in the neighborhood".

Is "Distribute" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Distribute" is a verb.

Is "Distribute" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Distribute" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Distribute"?

"Distribute" is pronounced /di-ˈstri-byüt/ and divided into syllables as dis·trib·ute.