Synonyms of applies

applies

verb

present tense third-person singular of apply

1

as in relates

to have a relation or connection

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• relates
• pertains
• refers
• affects
• involves
• has to do with
• appertains
• connects
• touches
• bears
• concerns
• interests
• links
• couples
• associates
• interrelates
• deals (with)
• treats
• ties in

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

• devotes
• gives
• addresses
• commits
• works
• bends
• reapplies
• buckles
• gets cracking
• spends
• gets with it
• involves
• sets (to)
• engages
• turns one's hand
• gets one's act together
• exerts
• settles (down)
• knuckles down
• readdresses
• busies
• concerns
• wears out
• exhausts
• stresses
• taxes
• troubles
• plunges (in)
• pitches in
• puts out
• plugs (away)
• carries on
• plows
• pegs (away)
• hustles
• grinds
• plods
• humps
• strains

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• plays
• idles
• dawdles
• putters (around)
• dallies
• fools around
• fiddles (around)
• monkeys (around)
• trifles
• messes around
• potters (around)
• dillydallies

3

as in spreads

to put a layer of on a surface

apply the ointment liberally

Synonyms & Similar Words

• spreads
• lays
• smears
• sheets
• coats
• lays on
• anoints
• covers
• plasters
• dabs
• layers
• slathers
• overlies
• surfaces
• bedaubs
• besmears
• overlays
• carpets
• blankets
• daubs
• overspreads
• mantles

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• exposes
• uncovers
• strips
• peels
• bares

4

as in uses

to put into action or service

apply the laws of motion to this physics problem

Synonyms & Similar Words

• uses
• utilizes
• employs
• operates
• exploits
• harnesses
• exercises
• draws on
• wields
• handles
• makes use of
• manipulates
• brings to bear
• works
• directs
• recycles
• runs
• reuses
• cannibalizes

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• ignores
• neglects
• misapplies
• misuses

5

as in exerts

to bring to bear especially forcefully or effectively

apply pressure to the area to stop the bleeding

Synonyms & Similar Words

• exerts
• uses
• wields
• employs
• utilizes
• exercises
• plies
• puts out
• misapplies
• abuses
• misuses

6

as in enforces

to carry out effectively

a police officer applying the law

Synonyms & Similar Words

• enforces
• implements
• executes
• administers
• fulfills
• invokes
• renders
• cites
• enacts
• effects
• brings about
• effectuates
• observes
• upholds
• prosecutes
• legislates
• honors
• discharges
• promulgates

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• ignores
• neglects
• disregards

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of applies

This branch of civil engineering applies the laws of physics and mathematics to design the skeletons of artificial structures. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 12 Aug. 2026

The same method applies to cameras, Patricolo and McCarty said. — Melina Khan, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2026

Lost Lantern, a leading American independent bottler, applies UK traditions of sourcing and blending, ensuring transparency and quality. — Larry Olmsted, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026

The new atlas applies the same approach to behavioral health. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 12 Aug. 2026

The same principle applies to developing autonomous flight systems for combat aircraft. — David Szondy august 11, New Atlas, 11 Aug. 2026

The process credits the net benefit ahead of the standard pay date and applies it to each fractional token held by investors. — Malana Vantyler, jsonline.com, 11 Aug. 2026

This now applies to veterans, homeless individuals, young adults aging out of foster care, parents of 14- to 17-year-olds and those aged 55 to 64. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 5 Aug. 2026

Georgia's statute, by comparison, applies to a particular lawful industry that state lawmakers sought to protect from financial discrimination. — Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 5 Aug. 2026