dispensation
noun
dis·pen·sa·tion
ˌdi-spən-ˈsā-shən 
-ˌspen-
1
a
: a general state or ordering of things
specifically
: a system of revealed (see reveal entry 1 sense 1) commands and promises regulating human affairs
a privilege maintained under the new dispensation
b
: a particular arrangement or provision especially of providence or nature
involving special dispensation by the Church
2
a
: an exemption from a law or from an impediment, vow, or oath
may be granted a dispensation from the rule
b
: a formal authorization
requested a dispensation to form another lodge
3
a
: the act of dispensing
the dispensation of medication
b
: something dispensed or distributed
… one of the most remarkable cultural dispensations in the country's history, the paperback book.—
T. E. Cooney
T. E. CooneySynonyms
Examples of dispensation in a Sentence
The priest asked for dispensation from his vows.
The state gave the town a special dispensation, allowing it to ignore the law in this case.
Recent Examples on the Web
Indeed, the secular Israeli center has begun to object with increasing vehemence to the special dispensations offered to the haredim.
—Jeffrey Goldberg, Foreign Affairs, 11 June 2013
Their selfless, tireless, labors beget wonderfully prosperous, law abiding, civic-minded citizens that keep our democratic dispensation from capsizing.
—Armstrong Williams, Baltimore Sun, 20 July 2024
The concept is predicated on the idea that the dispensation of justice is mechanical and objective.
—Philip Bump, Washington Post, 17 July 2024
This postwar dispensation, in which generations of Americans have invested so heavily, now stands threatened in an increasingly coordinated manner by Moscow, Beijing, Tehran and Pyongyang.
—Editorial Board, Washington Post, 8 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for dispensation 
Jeffrey Goldberg, Foreign Affairs, 11 June 2013
Their selfless, tireless, labors beget wonderfully prosperous, law abiding, civic-minded citizens that keep our democratic dispensation from capsizing.
—Armstrong Williams, Baltimore Sun, 20 July 2024
The concept is predicated on the idea that the dispensation of justice is mechanical and objective.
—Philip Bump, Washington Post, 17 July 2024
This postwar dispensation, in which generations of Americans have invested so heavily, now stands threatened in an increasingly coordinated manner by Moscow, Beijing, Tehran and Pyongyang.
—Editorial Board, Washington Post, 8 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for dispensation
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dispensation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near dispensation
Cite this Entry
“Dispensation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dispensation. Accessed 18 Aug. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
dispensation
noun
dis·pen·sa·tion
ˌdis-pən-ˈsā-shən
-ˌpen-
1
a
: a system of rules for ordering affairs
b
: a particular arrangement especially of nature
2
: release from a rule or from a vow or oath
3
a
: the act of dispensing
b
: something dispensed or distributed
Medical Definition
dispensation
noun
dis·pen·sa·tion
ˌdis-pən-ˈsā-shən, -ˌpen-
: the act of dispensing
the dispensation of medicines
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