1
as in relates
to have a relation or connection
does your rule about calling home apply to me as well?
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in devotes
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 spreads
to put a layer of on a surface
apply the ointment liberally
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in uses
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 enforces
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 applies
Whether the president’s January 2025 executive order applies to children born under these circumstances will likely hinge on the definition of one word in its text.
—
Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 19 Mar. 2026
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
The same applies to Six Flags’ Hurricane Harbor waterpark in Arlington.
—Sasha Richie, Dallas Morning News, 19 Mar. 2026
According to court records, her pending case has been ordered sealed by a judge — which can be done in cases when a defendant applies for a diversionary program.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 18 Mar. 2026
Each one applies heat in different ways and has its pros and cons.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 18 Mar. 2026
The action was consistent with village code, but that code only applies to streets owned by the village.
—Hank Beckman, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2026
Currently, the Tunney Act applies only to the Justice Department.
—Jem Aswad, Variety, 17 Mar. 2026
According to a Treasury Department license document, the authorization applies until April 11 and applies to Russian oil that was loaded onto vessels before March 12.
—Bart Jansen, USA Today, 13 Mar. 2026
Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 19 Mar. 2026
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
The same applies to Six Flags’ Hurricane Harbor waterpark in Arlington.
—Sasha Richie, Dallas Morning News, 19 Mar. 2026
According to court records, her pending case has been ordered sealed by a judge — which can be done in cases when a defendant applies for a diversionary program.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 18 Mar. 2026
Each one applies heat in different ways and has its pros and cons.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 18 Mar. 2026
The action was consistent with village code, but that code only applies to streets owned by the village.
—Hank Beckman, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2026
Currently, the Tunney Act applies only to the Justice Department.
—Jem Aswad, Variety, 17 Mar. 2026
According to a Treasury Department license document, the authorization applies until April 11 and applies to Russian oil that was loaded onto vessels before March 12.
—Bart Jansen, USA Today, 13 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for applies
Verb
-
There’s a lovely little formula called the small-angle approximation that relates the two.—
Phil Plait,
Scientific American,
20 Feb. 2026
-
But the story Sorkin relates is really all about the insiders, their privileged lives, their thoughts and actions.—
The Know,
Denver Post,
11 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The show devotes significant time to the three consultants’ past hardships as well as their ongoing bond, and that’s crystallized in a moving segment about Alexander’s harrowing recovery after a devastating stroke in 2022.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
19 Feb. 2026
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The center console devotes an inordinate amount of space to side-by-side wireless phone chargers.—
Adam Ismail,
The Drive,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
As the calendar moves toward spring, the old feeling of hope and exuberance spreads across the country, and it's mostly felt by college basketball fans.—
Josh Taylor,
CBS News,
20 Mar. 2026
-
The public should be aware of how the disease spreads, recognize warning signs and seek immediate care if concerning symptoms develop.—
Katia Hetter,
CNN Money,
20 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The 2025 Readers' Choice Award winner uses the brand’s Moisture Wrap technology—hyaluronic acid and minerals that lock hydration in place—along with its Berry Mix Complex that’s rich in antioxidants, to soften rough, flaky lips.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
22 Mar. 2026
-
Today the only North American barn swallow population that still regularly uses caves as nest sites occurs in the Channel Islands off the California coast.—
Kurt Snibbe,
Oc Register,
21 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Here, Beethoven exerts a compulsion for triumphant glory.—
Classical Music Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
25 Feb. 2026
-
Alicia Silverstone, in her most enduring performance, plays Cher Horowitz, a popular high schooler who exerts her influence through matchmaking and giving a makeover to the new kid in town.—
Kevin Jacobsen,
Entertainment Weekly,
7 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
In Kansas City and Independence, each city’s health department enforces the food code while in Kansas, the state’s Department of Agriculture handles inspections.—
Eleanor Nash,
Kansas City Star,
20 Mar. 2026
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Among other provisions, the AVMSD enforces a 30 percent European content quota for streaming on-demand services like Netflix.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
17 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Minnesota's lawsuit pertains to a bulk of the money stuck in deferral.—
Juliana Kim,
NPR,
18 Mar. 2026
-
Family care pertains to children as well as helping aging parents.—
Steve Sadin,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The expansion gives the brand a chance to build on an existing consumer base that is already familiar with and receptive to it.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
23 Mar. 2026
-
Five minutes of straight planking probably sounds intense, but this routine incorporates a different variation every 30 seconds, which lessens the intimidation factor and also gives certain muscles a breather while others take on more work.—
Jenny McCoy,
Outside,
23 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Applies.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/applies. Accessed 24 Mar. 2026.
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