as in applicable
capable of being put to use or account
used some applied psychology to get the teenager to become more responsible
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in related
to have a relation or connection
does your rule about calling home apply to me as well?
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in devoted
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 spread
to put a layer of on a surface
apply the ointment liberally
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in used
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 enforced
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
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of applied
New Atlas, 8 Feb. 2026
Finite Element Analysis software is then used to calculate the torsional stiffness of different variants with or without a roof, which allows the engineers to see what parts of the structure are working hardest to resist applied torsion and are in need or reinforcement.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 3 Feb. 2026
The Week Us, TheWeek, 13 Apr. 2026
But in February 2025, after 15 years in the United States, Rivera finally applied to naturalize.
—Ximena Bustillo, NPR, 13 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for applied
Adjective
The system responded within milliseconds, fast enough to support real-time reactions such as pulling away from harmful contact or reducing applied force during interaction.
—New Atlas, 8 Feb. 2026
Finite Element Analysis software is then used to calculate the torsional stiffness of different variants with or without a roof, which allows the engineers to see what parts of the structure are working hardest to resist applied torsion and are in need or reinforcement.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 3 Feb. 2026
Verb
In 1972, the Supreme Court ruled that Georgia’s death penalty as then applied was arbitrary and discriminatory, forcing all states to rewrite their laws and beef up their systems to provide for death row defense lawyers.
—The Week Us, TheWeek, 13 Apr. 2026
But in February 2025, after 15 years in the United States, Rivera finally applied to naturalize.
—Ximena Bustillo, NPR, 13 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for applied
Recent Examples of Synonyms for applied
Adjective
-
Customs and Border Protection will manage the online platform and provide electronic refunds in most cases when applicable, according to court filings.—
Jared Gans,
The Hill,
21 Apr. 2026
-
That opinion, written by conservative icon Justice Antonin Scalia, found religious practices don’t create exemptions from broadly applicable laws.—
Lindsay Whitehurst,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The Hatfield-McCoy feud is a complex story related the power of owning land when land was the only power, with its own love story at the center.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
21 Apr. 2026
-
James also said the shooting may have been gang related.—
Naveen Dhaliwal,
CBS News,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Going back to the roots, this five-star retreat is devoted entirely to authentic Ayurveda.—
Matt Emma,
USA Today,
15 Apr. 2026
-
Tour properties include dramatic subtropical and desert landscaping, a front yard devoted entirely to succulents, kinetic metal and mosaic art, resident goats and a stop with 17 fruit trees alongside proteas and exotic succulents.—
Ut Community Press,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
But a rethink of these strategies could be prompted by what happened on the latest of his 516 appearances for the club, spread over 16 years.—
Andy Naylor,
New York Times,
21 Apr. 2026
-
The hood was spreading, forming its cupped oval.—
John McPhee,
New Yorker,
20 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Henry Kissinger used that argument to explain why academic feuds are so bitter.—
Chris Jones,
Chicago Tribune,
22 Apr. 2026
-
Copper wiring, which was used for communications for decades, is one of the first things being replaced.—
Alexandra Skores,
CNN Money,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
But the royal gown that the Queen wore in Pakistan is a vivid example of the kind of soft power that can be exerted by a head of state who is otherwise without executive or legislative potency, especially one who takes a keen interest in international affairs, as Elizabeth II clearly did.—
Rebecca Mead,
New Yorker,
17 Apr. 2026
-
The merger aimed to distance the party from Sasikala’s influence amid mutual concerns that her faction exerted undue control over the party and prevent a split in the AIADMK government.—
Andrew Pereira,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
14 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Policies have to be enforced consistently across collaborators, clients and venues, each with its own dynamics.—
Victoria Chynoweth,
Rolling Stone,
20 Apr. 2026
-
How truck size restrictions would be enforced was not part of the discussion, and no motion was ultimately made to include limits in the language of the ordinance.—
Jennifer Johnson,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
With Mercury active in your friendship zone and linking to Pluto in your learning sector, conversations can turn into something useful.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
18 Apr. 2026
-
The Bowling Green transfer’s background as a corner shows up in useful ways.—
Eddie Brown,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
17 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Applied.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/applied. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
