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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of apply
In late May, Engberg Anderson Architects applied for a flurry of construction permits with the city of Fort Worth for the $63 million, six-acre affordable housing development in Fort Worth’s Historic Southside neighborhood.
—
Emily Holshouser, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 June 2026
For most dogs, though, none of that applies.
—Niranjana Rajalakshmi, Popular Science, 4 June 2026
Nobody knows for sure, and their characteristics could be varied enough that all three may apply.
—Keith Cooper, Space.com, 4 June 2026
Kamoutsas was the search committee’s lone recommendation for the position following a national search that saw more than 100 people apply.
—Austin Horn
june 4, Miami Herald, 4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for apply
Emily Holshouser, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 June 2026
For most dogs, though, none of that applies.
—Niranjana Rajalakshmi, Popular Science, 4 June 2026
Nobody knows for sure, and their characteristics could be varied enough that all three may apply.
—Keith Cooper, Space.com, 4 June 2026
Kamoutsas was the search committee’s lone recommendation for the position following a national search that saw more than 100 people apply.
—Austin Horn
june 4, Miami Herald, 4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for apply
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apply
Verb
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Some of those concerns related specifically to women’s rugby, while others related more broadly to QU’s treatment of female athletes and women’s athletic programs.—
Lori Riley,
Hartford Courant,
5 June 2026
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Authorities haven’t said whether the fire and the burglary are related.—
Alex Wigglesworth,
Los Angeles Times,
4 June 2026
Verb
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By reducing fees, members of the SpaceX group hope to be able to devote more of their fortunes from the SpaceX IPO to philanthropy, the people said.—
Robert Frank,
CNBC,
9 June 2026
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That meant last summer devoting resources to improving the Hurricane Harbor water park, which Lawrence says specifically attracts families and grandparents.—
Todd Martens,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2026
Verb
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The pop-up was announced by only one social media post, but word spread.—
Sean Timberlake,
Sacbee.com,
9 June 2026
-
Four bedrooms and five bathrooms are spread across roughly 6,200 square feet, where a floating glass staircase connects two switchback-style levels.—
Wendy Bowman,
Robb Report,
8 June 2026
Verb
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In the third, La Mirada used a single and two walks to load the bases with two outs but Escobar escaped when shortstop Angie Jimenez snagged a line drive.—
Dan Albano,
Oc Register,
30 May 2026
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Norrased, who did most of the communication with the villagers in Thai, taught them how to correctly use the mouthpiece for the oxygen tanks.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
30 May 2026
Verb
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At least until the physical world exerts itself on her show.—
David Ehrlich,
IndieWire,
8 June 2026
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Trump has acted to exert influence over the central bank during his second term, raising concerns about its independence.—
Nathan Diller,
USA Today,
7 June 2026
Verb
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The Senate voted 94-6 to enforce the subpoena.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
7 June 2026
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The Senate voted 94 to 6 to enforce the subpoena.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
7 June 2026
Verb
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Seeking a solution, Soriano led an effort to bring in new members in August, using a clause in California code pertaining to corporations.—
Noah Lyons,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
28 May 2026
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More details have been unearthed pertaining to the health of Kyle Busch prior to the NASCAR legend’s sudden death last week.—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
28 May 2026
Verb
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Whitney Plantation hosts two permanent exhibits, one of which gives an overview about the history of the Transatlantic Slave Trade and another that focuses on the history of slavery in Louisiana.—
USA TODAY Network,
USA Today,
10 June 2026
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On June 3, police went to serve the warrants but the suspect did not follow commands given by police and barricaded himself inside a residence located in the area of Alum Rock Avenue and Dale Drive, authorities said.—
Caelyn Pender,
Mercury News,
10 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Apply.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apply. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.
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