apply

1 to have a relation or connection <does your rule about calling home apply to me as well?> Synonyms appertain, bear, pertain, refer, relate Related Words affect, concern, interest, involve, touch; associate, connect, couple, interrelate, link, tie in; deal (with), treat Phrases have to do with

2 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 address, bend, buckle, devote, give Related Words readdress, reapply; knuckle down, set (to), settle (down); busy, commit, concern, engage, involve; exert, exhaust, put out, spend, strain, stress, tax, trouble, wear out; carry on, pitch in, plunge (in); grind, hump, hustle, peg (away), plod, plow, plug (away), work Phrases get cracking, get one's act together, get with it, turn one's hand (or turn a hand) Near Antonyms dally, dawdle, dillydally, fiddle (around), fool around, idle, mess around, monkey (around), play, potter (around), putter (around), trifle

3 to put a layer of on a surface <apply the ointment liberally> Synonyms spread, lay, lay onRelated Words anoint, bedaub, besmear, dab, daub, plaster, slather, smear; blanket, carpet, coat, cover, layer, mantle, overlay, overlie, overspread, sheet, surfaceNear Antonyms bare, expose, peel, strip, uncover

4 to put into action or service <apply the laws of motion to this physics problem> Synonyms use, employ, exercise, exploit, harness, operate, utilizeRelated Words handle, manipulate, wield; direct, run, work; cannibalize, recycle, reuseNear Antonyms ignore, neglect; misapply, misuse

5 to bring to bear especially forcefully or effectively <apply pressure to the area to stop the bleeding> Synonyms exert, exercise, ply, put out, wieldRelated Words employ, use, utilize; abuse, misapply, misuse

6 to carry out effectively <a police officer applying the law> Synonyms administer, enforce, execute, implementRelated Words bring about, effect, effectuate; discharge, fulfill (or fulfil), render; cite, invoke; enact, legislate; honor, observe, uphold; prosecute; promulgateNear Antonyms disregard, ignore, neglect