SYNONYMS AND RELATED EXPRESSIONS
allocate
verb
To assign a share of a resource to a particular purpose.
Local English device voice, when available. This is not a recorded dictionary pronunciation.
Assign resources
Closest synonyms
Related words and expressions
These extend or explain the idea and may require a different sentence structure.
Usage distinction
Return to topEarmark reserves something for a purpose; distribute emphasizes giving out shares.
RELATED FORMS, ONE FEATURED ENTRY
The allocate family
These forms are closely related, but their grammar and use are not identical. Expand a form to compare its meaning and examples.
allocationnoun
The assignment or distribution of resources for particular people or purposes.
Assignment of resources
Closest synonyms
Related expressions
A clear allocation of responsibilities helped the volunteers finish on time.
Mira's student team wanted to record an entire audio drama in one weekend, but only a shorter episode was feasible with the room and equipment available. Their allocation of studio time gave each actor an hour, leaving no space for retakes.
CHECK THE MEANING IN CONTEXT
See allocate in use
The committee will allocate half its budget to building repairs.
A student theater group had to allocate its production budget among costumes, rehearsal space, and scenery.
Compare an alternative with the original word in each passage. Shared meanings do not make every pair interchangeable.
Synonym reference scope and sources
The groups distinguish the senses selected for this study entry. Closest synonyms and broader related expressions have separate labels. The listed sources support lexical selection; not every phrase is a direct quotation from a source.
How the synonym reference was prepared / WordNet 3.0 license