DISPOSE Synonyms: 93 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'dispose' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of dispose are bias , incline , and predispose . While all these words mean "to influence one to have or take an attitude toward something," dispose suggests an affecting of one's mood or temper so as to incline one toward something. // her nature disposes her to trust others

Q: When might 'bias' be a better fit than 'dispose'?

The synonyms bias and dispose are sometimes interchangeable, but bias suggests a settled and predictable leaning in one direction and connotes unfair prejudice. // the experience biased him against foreigners

Q: When can 'incline' be used instead of 'dispose'?

The words incline and dispose are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, incline implies a tendency to favor one of two or more actions or conclusions. // I incline to agree

Q: Where would 'predispose' be a reasonable alternative to 'dispose'?

Although the words predispose and dispose have much in common, predispose implies the operation of a disposing influence well in advance of the opportunity to manifest itself. // does fictional violence predispose them to accept real violence?

dispose

verb

di-ˈspōz

Definition of dispose

as in to situate

to arrange something in a certain spot or position looking for the perfect spot to dispose the new knickknack

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to classify

to put into a particular arrangement disposed the surgical instruments in the exact order in which they would be needed

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How is the word dispose different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of dispose are bias, incline, and predispose. While all these words mean "to influence one to have or take an attitude toward something," dispose suggests an affecting of one's mood or temper so as to incline one toward something.

her nature disposes her to trust others

When might bias be a better fit than dispose?

The synonyms bias and dispose are sometimes interchangeable, but bias suggests a settled and predictable leaning in one direction and connotes unfair prejudice.

the experience biased him against foreigners

When can incline be used instead of dispose?

The words incline and dispose are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, incline implies a tendency to favor one of two or more actions or conclusions.

I incline to agree

Where would predispose be a reasonable alternative to dispose?

Although the words predispose and dispose have much in common, predispose implies the operation of a disposing influence well in advance of the opportunity to manifest itself.

does fictional violence predispose them to accept real violence?

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of dispose Relying Too Much On Garbage Disposals Though the name may be deceiving, garbage disposals aren’t actually designed to dispose of all garbage. — Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 28 June 2026 To dispose of medications, use a drug take-back program or follow specific FDA guidelines for drug disposal. — Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 27 June 2026 Court documents report she was killed by her stepmother, Connie Graham, who then used one of her sons to dispose of the body, while another son burned the evidence, including a bed, clothing and flooring. — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 26 June 2026 Most fans had taken care of their trash throughout the match, either putting it in the blue bag or already having disposed of it. — Chris Vannini, New York Times, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for dispose

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dispose

Verb

There, situated 750,000 miles beyond the moon, Roman will begin its science mission to study dark energy, dark matter and exoplanets.

— Lee Billings, Scientific American, 31 Aug. 2026
Cuomo was born in New York City and raised in various spiritual communities around the Northeast, including Yogaville, an ashram then situated in Pomfret, Connecticut.

— Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of situate

Verb

Back then, Pluto was classified as a full planet, but the discovery of 1992 QB-1, as well as Kuiper Belt objects even larger than Pluto found later, raised questions about Pluto's status.

— Tariq Malik, Space.com, 30 Aug. 2026
In some cases, LinkedIn says views of content classified as AI spam have decreased by as much as 40 percent.

— Gene Marks, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of classify

Verb

Still, each guest enjoys their secluded villa, private spa time, and a personal guide to arrange hiking and water excursions like snorkeling and surfing.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2026
Tafoya arranged for five blank checks paid as bribes by a marijuana firm to be cashed with the help of his brother and passed one $10,000 check on to marketer Chavez, according to the plea agreement.

— Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of arrange

Verb

To gauge correctly, people can place a measuring tape around the abdomen, between the bottom of the ribs and the top of the hip bones, keeping the tape level and snug but not compressing the skin.

— Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026
Seats were placed around the circle for visitors to witness firsthand the ancient drumming, chants, and intertribal dances carried by the wind and heard nearly two miles away, at the lakefront’s Geo-Karis State Park.

— Gregory Harutunian, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of place

Verb

The defense was organized and rebounded well from some early breakdowns on stretch running plays, and Petrino’s offense doesn’t look like the mess Freddie Kitchens’ group was last year.

— Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026
In the Philippines, many time zones away from these major tournaments, fans organize watch parties for matches that often start after midnight.

— Albert Samaha, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of organize

Verb

He was located in Indiana, where he is being held pending extradiction, the release said.

— Elgin Courier-News, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
According to police, crews with the Westport Police Department located the vessel, a white 1998 Seamaster, and found that it was submerged.

— Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of locate

Verb

Even though Vaughn's initial plea was not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect, and a mental status exam was ordered, no pretrial tests were done.

— Brett Barrouquere, Arkansas Online, 30 Aug. 2026
In a similar format to Family Feud, TopClubTen gives you ten top answers, ordered by amount, recency, value, and so on.

— Matt Gardner, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of order

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“Dispose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dispose. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of dispose

verb

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Phrases Containing dispose

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Word of the Day

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