doling out crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the "doling out" crossword clue, you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "doling out crossword clue" by Letter Count
6 Letters
GIVING: To hand over, distribute, or provide something.
METING: To measure out or distribute, often in the sense of justice or punishment (e.g., "meting out justice").
7 Letters
ISSUING: To supply or distribute something, often officially, like permits or supplies.
DEALING: To distribute or give out, as in cards or portions.
10 Letters
DISPENSING: To distribute or provide something, especially services or information.
12 Letters
APPORTIONING: To divide and allocate shares of something.
More About "doling out crossword clue"
"Doling out" is a common phrase that implies the act of distributing something, usually in measured amounts or portions. This could apply to resources, tasks, justice, or even advice. In crosswords, clues containing this phrase often test your vocabulary for synonyms of distribution, allocation, or bestowing.
When you encounter "doling out" as a clue, the setter is looking for a verb that means to give something out systematically or deliberately. The context of the puzzle, such as a themed crossword or surrounding clues, can sometimes provide hints as to whether the distribution is physical, conceptual, or administrative.
Understanding the nuances of similar verbs is key. While "giving" is a broad term, answers like "meting" often suggest a more formal or even punitive distribution, as in "meting out justice." "Dispensing" can imply providing a service or information, while "apportioning" specifically refers to dividing shares. Considering these subtle differences can help you pick the perfect answer for the given grid.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Brainstorm Synonyms: For action-oriented clues like "doling out," always brainstorm a wide range of synonyms for the core verb ("dole") and phrases that mean to distribute or give.
- Consider Context: If the crossword has a specific theme or if other clues hint at a particular domain (e.g., legal, financial, medical), this might narrow down the specific synonym for "doling out."
- Check Letter Count: Once you have potential answers, always verify their letter count against the empty squares in your puzzle. This is often the quickest way to eliminate possibilities.
- Look for Phrasal Verbs: While a single word answer is common, some clues with prepositions like "out" might point to a phrasal verb if the answer length allows for it, though this is less common for single-word answer spaces.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common synonyms for "doling out" in crosswords?
Common answers often relate to distributing, giving, or allocating. Examples include GIVING, ISSUING, DISPENSING, METING, or DEALING, depending on the specific context and letter count.
How do I approach clues with prepositions like "out"?
For clues like "doling out," the answer might be a single word (e.g., GIVING) that captures the full meaning. Occasionally, especially for longer answers, the answer might be a phrasal verb that explicitly includes the preposition, but typically, focus on the core verb's synonyms.
Are there specific types of crosswords that use this clue often?
Clues like "doling out" are common in general knowledge, vocabulary, and standard American-style crosswords. They test your synonym recognition for common actions and verbs, making them a staple in many daily puzzles.