Synonyms of apply

apply

verb

ə-ˈplī 

1

as in to relate

to have a relation or connection

does your rule about calling home apply to me as well?

Synonyms & Similar Words

• relate
• pertain
• refer
• affect
• involve
• bear
• touch
• appertain
• connect
• have to do with
• concern
• treat
• interest
• deal (with)
• link
• associate
• couple
• interrelate
• tie in

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

• devote
• give
• commit
• address
• get cracking
• bend
• buckle
• reapply
• work
• get with it
• spend
• turn one's hand
• set (to)
• get one's act together
• settle (down)
• engage
• involve
• exert
• wear out
• readdress
• busy
• carry on
• tax
• put out
• concern
• knuckle down
• pitch in
• plunge (in)
• trouble
• exhaust
• stress
• plow
• plug (away)
• grind
• peg (away)
• hustle
• strain
• hump
• plod

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• play
• fool around
• idle
• trifle
• dawdle
• fiddle (around)
• putter (around)
• mess around
• monkey (around)
• potter (around)
• dally
• dillydally

3

as in to spread

to put a layer of on a surface

apply the ointment liberally

Synonyms & Similar Words

• spread
• lay
• smear
• sheet
• lay on
• coat
• layer
• plaster
• dab
• anoint
• slather
• daub
• cover
• bedaub
• surface
• overlay
• carpet
• besmear
• blanket
• overlie
• overspread
• mantle

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• expose
• uncover
• strip
• peel
• bare

4

as in to use

to put into action or service

apply the laws of motion to this physics problem

Synonyms & Similar Words

• use
• utilize
• exploit
• employ
• operate
• harness
• exercise
• draw on
• make use of
• handle
• wield
• manipulate
• bring to bear
• work
• direct
• run
• reuse
• recycle
• cannibalize

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• ignore
• neglect
• misuse
• misapply

5

as in to exert

to bring to bear especially forcefully or effectively

apply pressure to the area to stop the bleeding

Synonyms & Similar Words

• exert
• use
• wield
• employ
• utilize
• exercise
• ply
• put out
• misapply
• misuse
• abuse

6

as in to enforce

to carry out effectively

a police officer applying the law

Synonyms & Similar Words

• enforce
• implement
• execute
• administer
• fulfill
• effect
• render
• enact
• invoke
• bring about
• cite
• effectuate
• observe
• prosecute
• honor
• legislate
• uphold
• discharge
• promulgate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• ignore
• disregard
• neglect

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of apply

As a result, contractor payments would have been about $1 million lower between fiscal years 2020 and 2024 if the tax exemptions had been properly applied. —Josh Davis, Baltimore Sun, 26 Feb. 2026

The same applies to powdered sugar. —Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 26 Feb. 2026

For me, the turning point came when a Saie makeup artist applied the brand’s Dew Blush in shade Cherie. —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 26 Feb. 2026

Gen Zers have woken up to this new reality, watching their peers apply to thousands of jobs to no avail. —Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 26 Feb. 2026