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
In the past three decades, Taiwan has transformed into a prosperous, vibrant multiparty democracy wholly at odds with the political dispensation in Beijing.
—Ishaan Tharoor, Washington Post, 1 July 2024
Two years later, white South Africans voted formally through a referendum to end their minority rule, giving the country’s president, F. W. de Klerk, a clear mandate to enter into open talks that would pave the way for a new fully democratic dispensation.
—Sisonke Msimang, Foreign Affairs, 12 Dec. 2017
The general election on July 4th is shaping up to be an enormous change in Britain’s ruling dispensation.
—Sam Knight, The New Yorker, 20 June 2024
Fittingly for the only Beach Boy who surfed, he was buried at sea following special dispensation from President Ronald Reagan.
—Jordan Runtagh, Peoplemag, 1 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for dispensation 
Ishaan Tharoor, Washington Post, 1 July 2024
Two years later, white South Africans voted formally through a referendum to end their minority rule, giving the country’s president, F. W. de Klerk, a clear mandate to enter into open talks that would pave the way for a new fully democratic dispensation.
—Sisonke Msimang, Foreign Affairs, 12 Dec. 2017
The general election on July 4th is shaping up to be an enormous change in Britain’s ruling dispensation.
—Sam Knight, The New Yorker, 20 June 2024
Fittingly for the only Beach Boy who surfed, he was buried at sea following special dispensation from President Ronald Reagan.
—Jordan Runtagh, Peoplemag, 1 June 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 15 Jul. 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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