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
The majority of interns admitted go on to apply to MBZUAI’s graduate programs after working on projects in health care, language processing, and robotics.
—
Kelsey Warner, semafor.com, 25 July 2025
Simone Talma Flowers, executive director of Interfaith Action of Central Texas, said this includes applying for grants and looking to move staff members to other programs.
—Emiliano Tahui Gómez, Austin American Statesman, 25 July 2025
That immunity applies equally to all occupants of the Oval Office, regardless of politics, policy, or party.
—Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025
Heat can cause their frames and lenses to weaken and warp, and degrade any coatings applied to your lenses.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 25 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for apply
Kelsey Warner, semafor.com, 25 July 2025
Simone Talma Flowers, executive director of Interfaith Action of Central Texas, said this includes applying for grants and looking to move staff members to other programs.
—Emiliano Tahui Gómez, Austin American Statesman, 25 July 2025
That immunity applies equally to all occupants of the Oval Office, regardless of politics, policy, or party.
—Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025
Heat can cause their frames and lenses to weaken and warp, and degrade any coatings applied to your lenses.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 25 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for apply
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apply
Verb
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As of July 23, Paytas has not addressed the theory relating her youngest child, Aquaman, to Osbourne.—
Caroline Blair,
People.com,
23 July 2025
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Williamson County had six cases in May that were all related.—
Nicole Villalpando,
Austin American Statesman,
23 July 2025
Verb
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Jane comes from a background of poverty and has stayed in their hometown for the past 20 years, devoting herself to caregiving.—
Julie Hinds,
Freep.com,
25 July 2025
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With this work, the tenacious journalist and advocate for the Everglades devoted her life to preserving the unique, sprawling ecosystem now protected by federal law.—
Jay Reddick,
The Orlando Sentinel,
24 July 2025
Verb
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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,
19 July 2025
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The Relay fascia is debuting belatedly in the U.K., having already spread to many airports in Europe and the United States, with the latter market being served via LTR’s subsidiary, Paradies Lagardère.—
Kevin Rozario,
Forbes.com,
19 July 2025
Verb
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This is when the teen uses social conflict to express frustration.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
16 July 2025
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In this case, the Department of Homeland Security directly contacted state officials about using a quiet, remote airstrip to put up a soft-sided series of structures in which ICE detainees could be held pending court hearings.—
Anna Giaritelli,
The Washington Examiner,
6 July 2025
Verb
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Given that Republicans enjoy a 88-62 advantage in the House and a 19-11 majority in the Senate, which includes one vacancy, Republicans will likely exert their will in both chambers, said Cal Jillson, a 30-year political science professor at Southern Methodist University in Dallas.—
John C. Moritz,
Austin American Statesman,
18 July 2025
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What To Know Zandi, who has this year sounded several alarms about the health and trajectory of the U.S. economy under President Donald Trump, said his concerns were raised by persistently high mortgage rates, which had exerted pressure on several aspects of the housing market.—
Hugh Cameron,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 July 2025
Verb
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The gateway manages credentials, enforces access controls and provides audit trails for AI tool usage, addressing compliance requirements that often block enterprise AI deployments.—
Janakiram MSV,
Forbes.com,
18 July 2025
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And while Home Depot has an official no-solicitation policy for its stores, it’s enforced at the discretion of individual store managers and security personnel.—
Nathaniel Meyersohn,
CNN Money,
18 July 2025
Verb
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After more than two years in the dark, court files pertaining to Dallas Barrett’s 2021 death at Whiskey Row bar in downtown Nashville have been made public.—
Evan Mealins,
The Tennessean,
13 July 2025
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At the time, Kemosabe Records controlled the promotion, budgets, release, and other factors pertaining to her catalog, which included her first five studio albums from 2010’s Animal through 2023’s Gag Order.—
Larisha Paul,
Rolling Stone,
8 July 2025
Verb
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The ranges are sourced from quarterly tax documents, and employers must give their permission for the department to release their names.—
Idaho Statesman,
Idaho Statesman,
14 July 2025
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The Dallas Mavericks gave fans their first look at Cooper Flagg through the first two games of the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Apply.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apply. Accessed 28 Jul. 2025.
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