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
But now, the 37% top rate is set to continue indefinitely, applying to income above $626,350 for single filers and $751,600 for married couples filing jointly.
—
Scott Neuman, NPR, 5 Nov. 2025
For many public health programs, ranging from housing assistance to cancer screening, agencies then post open calls online for states, local governments, and organizations to apply for funding.
—Amy Maxmen, ABC News, 5 Nov. 2025
The same applies to Stanley Black & Decker — a big Wednesday gainer.
—Jeff Marks, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2025
To get help, customers can learn more online at Citizens Energy Group or apply by calling 317-924-3311.
—John Tufts, IndyStar, 5 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for apply
Scott Neuman, NPR, 5 Nov. 2025
For many public health programs, ranging from housing assistance to cancer screening, agencies then post open calls online for states, local governments, and organizations to apply for funding.
—Amy Maxmen, ABC News, 5 Nov. 2025
The same applies to Stanley Black & Decker — a big Wednesday gainer.
—Jeff Marks, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2025
To get help, customers can learn more online at Citizens Energy Group or apply by calling 317-924-3311.
—John Tufts, IndyStar, 5 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for apply
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apply
Verb
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There’s even an academic advancement program with tuition support for job- and industry-related courses.—
Idaho Statesman,
Idaho Statesman,
11 Nov. 2025
-
Assistant’s plea scheduled While their cases are related, Trauernicht and McFadden are being prosecuted separately.—
Rosalio Ahumada,
Sacbee.com,
10 Nov. 2025
Verb
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As law enforcement in Las Vegas looks back on the explosion, Sheriff McMahill, himself an Army veteran, said that Livelsberger’s story is a harsh reminder of the obligation this nation has to take care of the soldiers who devote themselves to keeping this country safe.—
Tonya Simpson,
ABC News,
11 Nov. 2025
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The city is devoting 12 inspectors to the effort — six teams of two.—
David Garrick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 Nov. 2025
Verb
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The shutdown’s ripple effects spread across nearly every part of the air travel network Friday, with the nation’s busiest airports hit hardest.—
Emma Tucker,
CNN Money,
8 Nov. 2025
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Controlling a fire means ensuring that the fire can't spread or cross the containment line.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Guests can order the complimentary coffee in-bakery, through the mobile app, or online using code FREECOFFEE.—
Cheryl V. Jackson,
Louisville Courier Journal,
11 Nov. 2025
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Israel currently allows the death penalty only in exceptional cases, including for crimes such as treason and war crimes committed under the Nazi regime, but it has not been used for decades.—
Tal Shalev,
CNN Money,
11 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Vought has exerted extraordinary control over government spending this year, usurping congressional decisions on how the nation's money is used.—
Amy Maxmen,
ABC News,
5 Nov. 2025
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If rates rise unexpectedly, those low initial payments can balloon, exerting pressure on household budgets just as the broader economy absorbs the impact.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
4 Nov. 2025
Verb
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The functions of enforcing immigration law and collecting tariffs and customs duties stayed separate until shortly after the September 11 terror attacks, when a push to consolidate more agencies under the new Department of Homeland Security created Customs and Border Protection in 2003.—
Andy Rose 19 hr ago,
CNN Money,
9 Nov. 2025
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The Department of Justice is empowered under the federal securities laws to protect the integrity of the American capital markets by enforcing the securities laws and regulations.—
Samidh Guha,
ABC News,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
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The scenario remains hypothetical, strongly dependent on both Stefanik winning the governorship and a determination of official misconduct or other grounds for removal pertaining to Mamdani’s actions as mayor.—
Anna Skinner,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Nov. 2025
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The misdemeanor charge is for petty theft, pertaining to the removal of a campaign sign.—
Elizabeth Marie Himchak,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Most analysts who spoke with said that the Senate will be a tougher feat for Democrats than the House, although there is still a lot up in the air, given ongoing and potentially upcoming redistricting plans and rules.—
Mandy Taheri,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
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Soeren Stache | Picture Alliance | Getty Images Microsoft is giving employees a way to raise concerns about the uses of its technology after controversy emerged over the company's work in the Middle East.—
Jordan Novet,
CNBC,
6 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Apply.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apply. Accessed 14 Nov. 2025.
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