dispose

1 of 2

verb

dis·​pose di-ˈspōz How to pronounce dispose (audio)
disposed; disposing
Synonyms of disposenext

transitive verb

1
: to give a tendency to : incline
faulty diet disposes one to sickness
2
a
: to put in place : set in readiness : arrange
disposing troops for withdrawal
b
: bestow
c
obsolete : regulate

intransitive verb

1
: to settle a matter finally
2
obsolete : to come to terms
disposer noun
see also:

dispose

2 of 2

noun

1
obsolete : disposal
2
obsolete
b
Choose the Right Synonym for dispose

incline, bias, dispose, predispose mean to influence one to have or take an attitude toward something.

incline implies a tendency to favor one of two or more actions or conclusions.

I incline to agree

bias suggests a settled and predictable leaning in one direction and connotes unfair prejudice.

the experience biased him against foreigners

dispose suggests an affecting of one's mood or temper so as to incline one toward something.

her nature disposes her to trust others

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?

Examples of dispose in a Sentence

Verb looking for the perfect spot to dispose the new knickknack disposed the surgical instruments in the exact order in which they would be needed
Recent Examples on the Web
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Verb
People in this area are urged to properly dispose of cigarette butts, matches, and any other flammable items in appropriate containers. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 25 Apr. 2026 That includes clearing dead or dying vegetation within 100 feet of all structures, landscaping with fire-resistant plans and non-flammable ground cover, and disposing of landscaping debris in other ways. City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026 Wastewater is no longer just something to dispose. Steve Adelstein, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Apr. 2026 Consider gifting your old kitchen items to a friend or disposing of them safely. Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 25 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dispose

Word History

Etymology

Verb and Noun

Middle English, from Anglo-French desposer, from Latin disponere to arrange (perfect indicative disposui), from dis- + ponere to put — more at position

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

1590, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dispose was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dispose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/dictionary/dispose. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

dispose

verb
dis·​pose
dis-ˈpōz
disposed; disposing
1
: incline entry 1 sense 2
I was not disposed to go to the meeting
2
: to put in place or in readiness : arrange
you'll need more room to dispose your legs comfortably
disposer noun

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