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
For higher earners, however, the 25% cap often applies, meaning a substantial portion of your take-home pay could be withheld if the debt collection process progresses to this stage.
—
Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 19 Mar. 2026
Hamadeh's two accounts raise questions about how to apply the Supreme Court's test.
—Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 19 Mar. 2026
The pattern in their tragedies is always the same — a leader, swollen with success, decides the rules no longer apply to him.
—Anthony Scaramucci, Fortune, 19 Mar. 2026
Some exclusions apply, but that’s a pretty sweet deal.
—Andrew P. Collins, The Drive, 19 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for apply
Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 19 Mar. 2026
Hamadeh's two accounts raise questions about how to apply the Supreme Court's test.
—Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 19 Mar. 2026
The pattern in their tragedies is always the same — a leader, swollen with success, decides the rules no longer apply to him.
—Anthony Scaramucci, Fortune, 19 Mar. 2026
Some exclusions apply, but that’s a pretty sweet deal.
—Andrew P. Collins, The Drive, 19 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for apply
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apply
Verb
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But the fear that Bacon has gathered everyone for something indulgent is quickly disabused in the silly and gory comedy where the fun all are having on screen extends to those who aren’t directly related.—
Stephen Saito,
Variety,
15 Mar. 2026
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Reducing stress may also improve symptoms, particularly in people with functional or stress-related abdominal pain.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
15 Mar. 2026
Verb
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From 1969 until his death in 2013, Goenka devoted his life to spreading Ba Khin’s teachings globally while retaining his Hindu identity.—
Daniel M. Stuart,
The Conversation,
16 Mar. 2026
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Tony has fully jumped into our theatre program devoting himself to straight plays and musical theatre.—
Heide Janssen,
Oc Register,
15 Mar. 2026
Verb
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In New York City, four people, including a child, died Monday afternoon after a fire in a three-story apartment building spread during heavy winds.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
17 Mar. 2026
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Officers are unsure what caused the semi to overturn, but said that the thick liquid began to flow out of the trailer and quickly spread, creating an inch-thick layer of syrup across the westbound lanes.—
Dean Fioresi,
CBS News,
17 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Several exclusive, bespoke massage treatments feature a handmade oil blend native to Kyoto, and facials use Japanese prestige skincare brand The Ginza.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 Mar. 2026
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Delta Connection will operate both of the new routes using Embraer 175 regional jets with up to 76 seats, Wi-Fi and in-seat power outlets.—
Alex Driggars,
Austin American Statesman,
21 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Trump has since sought to exert his influence over the country and acting President Delcy Rodríguez.—
Kyle Feldscher,
CNN Money,
17 Mar. 2026
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Should a vessel spring a leak, the blood will fill one small segment of the face, exerting pressure until the bleeding stops.—
Jolene Edgar,
Allure,
16 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Failure to do so could lead to a breach of fiduciary duty claim against individual board members for failure to enforce the governing documents.—
Howard Dakoff,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Mar. 2026
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The agency says the change is meant to comply with a 1996 federal law signed by President Bill Clinton that bars states from providing public benefits to people without legal status unless a state legislature explicitly authorizes it — a law Texas largely did not enforce for decades.—
Emiliano Tahui Gómez,
Austin American Statesman,
15 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Cavanaugh, one of the DOGE staffers tasked with overseeing these cuts, said in deposition pertaining to the recent lawsuit the advisory failed to slash the government’s budget gap.—
Sasha Rogelberg,
Fortune,
19 Mar. 2026
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Beyond her musical achievements, she is known for her advocacy work pertaining to animal rights, environmental awareness, and LGBTQ+ visibility.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
19 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Defense lawyers also claimed that four secret decrees Francis signed giving prosecutors wide-ranging powers to investigate violated the defendants' right to a fair trial.—
NICOLE WINFIELD THE ASSOCIATED PRESS,
Arkansas Online,
18 Mar. 2026
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Doja’s assistant slips through, gives me the thumbs-up, and ushers me into a dressing room the size of a tennis court, black velvet curtains concealing the walls.—
Liam Hess,
Vogue,
18 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Apply.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apply. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.
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