mete out

Distribute in portions

To mete out is to distribute or dispense something, almost always a punishment or judgment, in a deliberate and measured way.

The phrase carries a tone of authority and formality: The judge meted out harsh sentences to the ringleaders.

You might also mete out justice, rewards, or criticism, though punishment remains the most common object.

The verb mete alone is archaic, surviving mainly in this fixed expression.

distribution

apportion

Divide into portions

allocateDesignate for specific use
distributeDivide and deliver
allotDistribute by shares

dispense · administer · dole · ration · parcel · assign · share · portion · deal · hand out

punishment

retribution

Punishment for wrongdoing

penaltyPunishment for wrongdoing
sanctionApproval or punitive measure
disciplineTrained self-control or specialty

chastisement · sentence · correction · castigation · censure · reprimand · admonishment · flogging · incarceration · probation

justice

verdict

Official court decision

judgmentReasoned decision-making capacity
sentenceComplete thought, grammatically
decreeAuthoritative legal command

ruling · adjudication · arbitration · due process · fairness · equity · impartiality · righteousness · recompense · redress

Categories

dividing and givingdistribute, allocate, divide, give, share
portioningportion, divide, share, distribute, allocate

Opposites

distribution vs. retention

mete outwithhold

Refuse to give

hold back · retain · keep · hoard · reserve

imposition vs. relief

mete outforgive

Cease to blame

pardon · spare · absolve · exempt · let off

measured deliberateness

mete outlavish

Abundant beyond necessity

pour out · shower with · dump · scatter

Family

meter, measured, measuring, measures, measurement, immeasurable, commensurate, measurably, measurer

Familiarity: Top 200,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Negative · Everyday, not technical · Rated G