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

Also Worth a Look The back-to-back angle applies to Boston too. — Outkick, FOXNews.com, 11 Nov. 2026

Before a developer applies for a zoning change in Fort Worth, they are encouraged to meet with surrounding homeowners to discuss their plans. — Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Nov. 2026

This increase applies to employees across the Carolinas and several other states. — Charlotte Observer, 11 Nov. 2026

Determining which category applies requires reviewing the vehicle and its documentation. — Kaitlyn Gomez, Miami Herald, 11 Nov. 2026

Customers should therefore check the conditions attached to an individual offer rather than assuming the same eligibility criteria applies everywhere. — Amanda Greenwood, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2026

That applies when an incident occurs or intelligence is received indicating that some form of terrorist action targeting personnel or facilities is likely. — ABC News, 10 Nov. 2026

Proponents say the measure applies to eight categories of projects California communities need to expand housing, improve civic infrastructure and promote green energy. — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 4 Nov. 2026

On the other hand, many of these albums are timeless and continue to resonate, and today’s streaming culture has embraced exhuming catalog music — something that applies not only to old singles, but to old albums. — Eric Renner Brown, Billboard, 4 Nov. 2026