1
2
as in to devote
to occupy (oneself) diligently or with close attention
Sam applied himself to writing thank-you letters to everyone who'd helped sponsor him for the charity walk
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to spread
to put a layer of on a surface
apply the ointment liberally
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to use
to put into action or service
apply the laws of motion to this physics problem
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
6
as in to enforce
to carry out effectively
a police officer applying the law
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of apply
The saying also applies to clients.
—
Domenic Rom, Rolling Stone, 30 Apr. 2026
New Commissioner Rolando Escalona required them to instead apply through a public vetting process.
—Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 30 Apr. 2026
Just applying to college has become increasingly expensive.
—Micky Horstman, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026
Then a weaker oscillating magnetic field is applied atop it.
—IEEE Spectrum, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for apply
Domenic Rom, Rolling Stone, 30 Apr. 2026
New Commissioner Rolando Escalona required them to instead apply through a public vetting process.
—Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 30 Apr. 2026
Just applying to college has become increasingly expensive.
—Micky Horstman, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026
Then a weaker oscillating magnetic field is applied atop it.
—IEEE Spectrum, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for apply
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apply
Verb
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The Timberwolves can certainly relate.—
Sam Amick,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
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There is not enough information to know if Zimmerman’s early retirement and Dains’ removal are related.—
Ishani Desai,
Sacbee.com,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The situation stems from the commendable liberal impulse to devote extensive resources to public education.—
Marc Novicoff,
The Atlantic,
28 Apr. 2026
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News outlets devoted round-the-clock coverage to Jackson, and MTV dedicated its programming almost exclusively to the musician.—
Alex Gurley,
PEOPLE,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The rest of the property radiates outwards from here, incorporating four restaurants, rooms and suites spread across a number of individual low-rise blocks, the Conrad Spa, and meeting and events space.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
27 Apr. 2026
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Severe weather continues into Monday On Monday, the severe weather threat spreads northeast and stretches from the lower Mississippi River Valley up to the Midwest.—
Kyle Reiman,
ABC News,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The Jaguars used their first pick of the NFL draft to land the blocking tight end Friday night, grabbing him in the second round with the 56th selection.—
Mark Long,
The Orlando Sentinel,
25 Apr. 2026
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The department’s news release about the fire included a reminder for drivers to use caution when pulling over near dry grass or vegetation.—
Teri Figueroa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
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For years the owner, now 66, has watched tape, done his own player evaluations and sent observations and suggestions to DeCosta, mostly about players who might be available in later rounds — without exerting any actual decision-making power.—
Michael Silver,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
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Proponents of citizen journalism saw the control exerted by a few professionals over the news agenda as problematic and hoped that bringing more contributors to the process would lead to news coverage that was more representative of the general public’s issues and concerns.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Experts like Hofflinger question whether local building standards are sufficient or thoroughly enforced enough to prevent fire risks.—
Stefano Pozzebon,
CNN Money,
26 Apr. 2026
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The agency does not have the power to enforce these rules, but the disaster motivated many countries to comply with regulations.—
The Week UK,
TheWeek,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The company will also release data pertaining to a phase-three trial for its lupus drug litifilimab in the fourth quarter, which should also give Biogen stock more room to run.—
Liz Napolitano,
CNBC,
22 Apr. 2026
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Over the decades California has developed laws pertaining to the protection of the state’s diverse environment.—
Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado
April 22,
Sacbee.com,
22 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The casting has always managed to feel diverse, but in a guileless, incidental way, giving the appearance of multicultural inclusion without espousing any explicitly progressive viewpoints.—
Hua Hsu,
New Yorker,
29 Apr. 2026
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Inning-ending calls have been overturned, giving hitters another opportunity that, in some cases, has led to game-changing home runs.—
Ian Miller OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
29 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Apply.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apply. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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