apply

verb

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ap·ply | \ ə-ˈplī

applied; applying

Definition of apply

transitive verb

1a : to put to use especially for some practical purpose He applies pressure to get what he wants.

b : to bring into action apply the brakes

c : to lay or spread on apply varnish

d : to put into operation or effect apply a law

2 : to employ diligently or with close attention You should apply yourself to your work.

intransitive verb

1 : to have relevance or a valid connection This rule applies to freshmen only.

2 : to make an appeal or request especially in the form of a written application apply for a job

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Examples of apply in a Sentence

For further information, apply to the address below. I applied in writing to several different companies. You must have a high school diploma for this job. High school dropouts need not apply. After applying a thin layer of paint to the wall and letting it dry, apply another coat. We applied the ointment to the cut. I washed my face and applied fresh makeup. Fertilizer was applied to the lawn every two weeks.

Recent Examples on the Web State law allows a principal district attorney to authorize and appoint a deputy to apply for a wiretap order, said John Gerhard, senior deputy district attorney. — oregonlive, "Judge suppresses evidence from wiretap in murder case, ruling OR’s wiretap law violates federal Wiretap Act," 7 Apr. 2021 The deadline to apply for the PPP has been extended. — Rhonda Abrams, USA TODAY, "Here are the new government efforts to help small businesses," 7 Apr. 2021 Biden recently extended the eviction moratorium until the end of June, giving renters more time to catch up on payments and apply for aid. — Author: Heather Long, Anchorage Daily News, "The US government approved trillions in aid. Many hard-hit families have yet to receive it.," 7 Apr. 2021 The academy will have a focus on enrolling underrepresented groups, and will allow potential trainees to apply for both partial and full scholarships. — CBS News, "United rolls out ambitious new plan to train at least 2,500 women and people of color as pilots by 2030," 6 Apr. 2021 In the meantime, the company is preparing to apply for full clearing agency registration with the SEC. — Nina Bambysheva, Forbes, "Same-Day Stock Settlements Are Here: Using Paxos Blockchain, Credit Suisse And Nomura Instinet Hit T + Zero," 6 Apr. 2021 To get more information on how to apply for assistance, visit the Hamilton County Jobs & Family Services website. — Brook Endale, The Enquirer, "County leaders working to to prevent evictions in Hamilton County," 6 Apr. 2021 Liccardo said officials plan to apply for Department of Transportation funding this summer. — Roland Li, San Francisco Chronicle, "Google's San Jose megaproject offers $200 million in community benefits, 1,000 affordable homes," 6 Apr. 2021 Novavax has had strong results with the 2P spike in clinical trials and is expected to apply to the Food and Drug Administration for emergency use authorization in the next few weeks. — New York Times, "Researchers Are Hatching a Low-Cost Coronavirus Vaccine," 5 Apr. 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'apply.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.