What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dispensation
Example
The university granted him a dispensation to take the exam at a later date. [dispensation: noun]
Example
The dispensation of vaccines is a crucial part of public health efforts. [dispensation: noun]
Example
The nurse was responsible for dispensing medication to the patients. [dispensing: gerund or present participle]
waiver
Example
He signed a waiver before participating in the extreme sports activity. [waiver: noun]
Example
The company waived the late fee as a gesture of goodwill. [waived: past tense]
Example
The landlord waived the requirement for a security deposit for the new tenant. [waived: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Waiver is more commonly used than dispensation in everyday language. Waiver is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while dispensation is less common and has more specific applications.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dispensation and waiver?
Dispensation is generally more formal than waiver, which can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, both words can be used in formal settings depending on the context.
