distribute, divide, dispense, dole, deal, ration
These verbs mean to give out in portions or shares. Distribute is the least specific: The government distributed land to settlers. Divide implies giving out portions, often equal, on the basis of a plan or purpose: The estate will be divided among the heirs. Dispense stresses the careful determination of portions, often according to measurement or weight: The pharmacist dispensed the medication. Dole, often followed by out, implies careful, usually sparing measurement of portions. It can refer to the distribution of charity: The city doled out surplus milk to the needy. It can also suggest lack of generosity: The professor doled out meager praise to the students. Deal implies orderly, equitable distribution, often piece by piece: I dealt five cards to each player. Ration refers to equitable division in limited portions of scarce, often necessary, items: The government rationed fuel during the war.
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