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
But ultrarunning officials worry WADA may not be considering how point two—the ability to cause harm—applies to the unique demands of the sport.
—
Dan England, Outside, 5 Feb. 2026
Avoiding paying the tax for this season delays when the Magic could get hit with the repeater tax, which applies to teams that have been above the league’s tax line for at least three of the previous four seasons.
—Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Feb. 2026
That also applies to Comerica’s other branding and sponsorships throughout D-FW, such as the signage at the Texas Rangers’ Globe Life Field.
—Sasha Richie, Dallas Morning News, 4 Feb. 2026
The same logic applies to coffee table books, too.
—Angelika Pokovba, Martha Stewart, 4 Feb. 2026
That applies to Nikola Milenkovic and Murillo.
—Paul Taylor, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026
By selecting just two or three representative images through the iPad Operator App, users can trigger immediate adjustments to how the system identifies plants and applies laser treatment in the field.
—Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 3 Feb. 2026
The designation only applies to the sign, not the attached building, which houses Americana Pizza.
—Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 29 Jan. 2026
This particularly applies to an opening visual metaphor, in which an old veteran is haunted by a vision of his past, which proves more excessive and obvious than enlightening.
—Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 29 Jan. 2026
Dan England, Outside, 5 Feb. 2026
Avoiding paying the tax for this season delays when the Magic could get hit with the repeater tax, which applies to teams that have been above the league’s tax line for at least three of the previous four seasons.
—Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Feb. 2026
That also applies to Comerica’s other branding and sponsorships throughout D-FW, such as the signage at the Texas Rangers’ Globe Life Field.
—Sasha Richie, Dallas Morning News, 4 Feb. 2026
The same logic applies to coffee table books, too.
—Angelika Pokovba, Martha Stewart, 4 Feb. 2026
That applies to Nikola Milenkovic and Murillo.
—Paul Taylor, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026
By selecting just two or three representative images through the iPad Operator App, users can trigger immediate adjustments to how the system identifies plants and applies laser treatment in the field.
—Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 3 Feb. 2026
The designation only applies to the sign, not the attached building, which houses Americana Pizza.
—Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 29 Jan. 2026
This particularly applies to an opening visual metaphor, in which an old veteran is haunted by a vision of his past, which proves more excessive and obvious than enlightening.
—Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 29 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for applies
Verb
-
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
-
Meanwhile, the omniscient, just-the-facts-ma’am narration relates the days and times and events with an efficiency that speaks to us of the unstoppable nature of fate.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
31 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Jonathan Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels, the saddest novel ever written, devotes some space to the description of just such a device, the earliest example of a fictional machine capable of writing.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
21 Jan. 2026
-
But the governor also devotes several pages to providing his side of the story from the 2024 search for a vice-presidential candidate, after Harris wrote a detailed account of the traditionally secretive process, which included a less-than-warm meeting with Shapiro.—
Toluse Olorunnipa,
The Atlantic,
19 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Instacart data shows sharp pre-game jumps in purchases of Buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, salsa and queso, with chips close behind — proof that bold, shareable flavors continue to define Super Bowl Sunday spreads.—
Deirdre Bardolf,
FOXNews.com,
8 Feb. 2026
-
When academic standards are quietly lowered to accommodate underprepared students, the harm spreads to all graduates.—
Andrea Mays,
Oc Register,
8 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Instead of treating touch as a simple raw pressure input, the system uses neuromorphic encoding (modeled from biological nerves) to translate force into rapid electrical spikes.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
8 Feb. 2026
-
Bell-Johnson is known as One Leg and uses a prosthetic limb after losing his leg as a child in a train accident.—
Emerson Clarridge
Updated February 6,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
7 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
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
-
Still, California’s much higher share of students facing these hardships and attending public schools — rather than being absorbed into private ones — exerts a downward pressure on statewide scores.—
Jill Stegman,
Mercury News,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Continue reading … CABLE CRACKDOWN – FCC dismisses liberal hosts as agency enforces anti-bias policy.—
,
FOXNews.com,
4 Feb. 2026
-
But the brain enforces its own urban planning.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
My question pertains to my vehicle, 2015 Toyota 4Runner.—
John Paul Senior Manager Public Affairs And Traffic Safety Aaa Northeast,
Hartford Courant,
8 Feb. 2026
-
The database currently includes information that pertains only to people age 65 or older.—
Sarah Agostino,
CNBC,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
That gives Takaichi a clear path to deliver on her agenda over the coming years – until the next election in 2027.—
Jessie Yeung,
CNN Money,
10 Feb. 2026
-
The speech and debate clause, under Article 1, Section 6, of the Constitution, gives these members immunity from liability for defamation when reading the list of names aloud in court.—
Lauren Green,
The Washington Examiner,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Applies.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/applies. Accessed 12 Feb. 2026.
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