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

The ruling only applies to two companies and Washington state, but the decision could prompt more legal challenges. —Zac Anderson, USA Today, 8 May 2026

This article was generated by the CA Earthquake Bot, software that analyzes structured information, such as data, and applies it to articles based on templates created by journalists in the newsroom. —Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 7 May 2026

The same applies for batters who have seen a high or low percentage of their balls in play drop in for hits. —Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026

The project applies a circular-economy model to the foundations of the cities by replacing natural aggregates with recycled rubble. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 7 May 2026

The measure applies retroactively, which will trigger a legal challenge if passed. —The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 7 May 2026

Hoarding conditions increase the fire risk, but the warning applies to everyone in the community. —Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 7 May 2026

Yes, freedom of expression applies to hecklers, too. —Las Vegas Review-Journal, Twin Cities, 7 May 2026

The saying also applies to clients. —Domenic Rom, Rolling Stone, 30 Apr. 2026