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
This warning applies to Buffalo and Trempealeau counties.
—
Maia Pandey, jsonline.com, 18 Aug. 2025
After applying the tint in the daytime, top it off with an SPF of 30 or above to protect the skin from free-radical damage.
—Jenny Berg, Vogue, 17 Aug. 2025
Royals catcher Luke Maile was waiting to apply the tag.
—Kansas City Star, 17 Aug. 2025
Bigger And Better Since this isn’t the first go-around for the collaboration, Lindsey and Chelsea were able to apply a lot of learnings to this second collection.
—Sarah Boyd, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for apply
Maia Pandey, jsonline.com, 18 Aug. 2025
After applying the tint in the daytime, top it off with an SPF of 30 or above to protect the skin from free-radical damage.
—Jenny Berg, Vogue, 17 Aug. 2025
Royals catcher Luke Maile was waiting to apply the tag.
—Kansas City Star, 17 Aug. 2025
Bigger And Better Since this isn’t the first go-around for the collaboration, Lindsey and Chelsea were able to apply a lot of learnings to this second collection.
—Sarah Boyd, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for apply
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apply
Verb
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The move may indeed change how publishers and AI platforms relate, and re-inform digital media economics.—
Anisha Sircar,
Forbes.com,
28 Aug. 2025
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All of this is related in the film’s mesmerizing Grimm-like opening.—
Randy Myers,
Mercury News,
15 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Alves devoted part of that speech to the wonders of this country by providing the blessings of freedom and opportunity to people like him.—
Kevin Rennie,
Hartford Courant,
16 Aug. 2025
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This year, the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence stood up the Open-Source Intelligence Subcommittee, the first ever congressional body devoted specifically to an intelligence discipline.—
Ann Wagner,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Things can get worse when the tumors spread inside the body like to the lungs, liver, kidneys and lymph nodes.—
Bruce Y. Lee,
Forbes.com,
24 Aug. 2025
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The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, or IPC, said famine is happening in Gaza City, home to hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, and could spread south to Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis by the end of next month.—
Sam Mednick,
Chicago Tribune,
23 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The fire department’s water rescue team immediately started rescue efforts and police used a drone to help with the search, officials said.—
Rebecca Johnson,
Chicago Tribune,
24 Aug. 2025
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Switch on headlights - Even during daylight hours, using headlights can enhance visibility and signal your presence to other drivers.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
24 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Trump’s takeover of the Kennedy Center — and its signature ceremony — reflect his effort to exert his influence over an array of cultural institutions.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
13 Aug. 2025
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And exerting their infectious will and influence from the sidelines of an essentially meaningless game.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
10 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Earlier in May, the agency began enforcing REAL ID at checkpoints, achieving a 94 percent compliance rate and helping to speed up the security screening process.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 Aug. 2025
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On the hiring front, the money was intended for 10,000 new staff who specifically enforce immigration law within the United States.—
Anna Giaritelli,
The Washington Examiner,
23 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The first reason essentially pertains to image and propaganda.—
Joshua Yaffa,
New Yorker,
22 Aug. 2025
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There has been positive communication on both sides pertaining to Eason’s extension, and the hope is that an agreement can be reached soon.—
Kelly Iko,
New York Times,
22 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Skeptics warn that Putin is playing for time, for the opportunity to keep hammering Ukraine on the battlefield while giving lip service to seeking peace.—
Susan Page,
USA Today,
20 Aug. 2025
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The 10-city tour will kick off in Washington, D.C., and make stops in Pittsburgh, Newark, Las Vegas, San Jose, Phoenix, Anaheim, San Diego, Tucson, Ariz., and Arlington, Texas, giving the pair some time to check out the sights as a German TV crew will be documenting the tour.—
Jenelle Riley,
Variety,
19 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Apply.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apply. Accessed 31 Aug. 2025.
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