1
2
as in to devote
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 to spread
to put a layer of on a surface
apply the ointment liberally
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to use
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 to enforce
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 apply
That includes dressing wounds, applying topical agents or providing fluids or ice.
—
Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 12 Mar. 2026
State prosecutors and local and state election officials also can sue, and the courts can apply fines of up to $50,000 per violation.
—Morgan Lee, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2026
This applies to the Giants’ approach to free agency here, too.
—Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 12 Mar. 2026
Research shows that students that come from low socioeconomic backgrounds are less likely to apply to more selective schools in the first place, McElrath said.
—Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for apply
Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 12 Mar. 2026
State prosecutors and local and state election officials also can sue, and the courts can apply fines of up to $50,000 per violation.
—Morgan Lee, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2026
This applies to the Giants’ approach to free agency here, too.
—Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 12 Mar. 2026
Research shows that students that come from low socioeconomic backgrounds are less likely to apply to more selective schools in the first place, McElrath said.
—Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for apply
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apply
Verb
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Despite their similar last names, the victim and suspect are not related, the source added.—
Rebecca White,
New York Daily News,
8 Mar. 2026
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While not exactly movie-related, Funko is famous for its Pops—small collectible figures known for their exaggerated features.—
Sari Hitchins,
Parents,
8 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Reports over the years have suggested that lawmakers can devote hours each day to fundraising calls, often dialing donors from offices just steps away from the Capitol itself.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
10 Mar. 2026
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This year, Nikhil requested a spelling tutor and devoted hours each day to studying word etymologies, languages of origin and specific word sets.—
Elizabeth Hernandez,
Denver Post,
10 Mar. 2026
Verb
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During a pre-launch hot-fire test, an anomaly in a single engine triggered a catastrophic fire that spread throughout the first stage.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Mar. 2026
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The Board accused him of spreading misinformation about COVID-19, but moved to return his certification a few months later.—
Romy Ellenbogen,
Miami Herald,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Eco effort The usual—refillable bath products, paper straws, glass bottles—and the Sjöstrand espresso machine in rooms use organic and climate-compensated coffee capsules.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
14 Mar. 2026
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His slider and changeup, used 23 total times, were unhittable, generating seven whiffs on seven swings.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
14 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Iran may have positioned the Houthis as a regional player that can exert pressure on Iran’s neighbors, but the Houthis have always put their own interests first.—
Sudarsan Raghavan,
New Yorker,
12 Mar. 2026
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In past interviews, Carvalho has denied exerting influence over the procurement process that led to the selection of AllHere.—
Howard Blume,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Mar. 2026
Verb
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This year, Democrats have already unveiled a suite of bills that would give the state more say in authorizing vaccines, would grant it more authority to enforce workplace safety and would aim to better protect students with disabilities, among other legislation.—
Nick Coltrain,
Denver Post,
8 Mar. 2026
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Chicago must also remove obstacles to effective policing, use technology such as the ShotSpotter gunshot detection system, and update and enforce curfew regulations.—
Juan Rangel,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Family care pertains to children as well as helping aging parents.—
Steve Sadin,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Mar. 2026
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Kerr, never having been shy to share his opinion on a variety of topics pertaining to both basketball and politics, took a moment to consider the query.—
Joseph Dycus,
Mercury News,
10 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Noting some confusion over the like-for-like numbers this year, given recent changes to the business structure, the analysts said that weapon and ammunition growth will remain elevated, and there is scope for its naval business to be resilient, too.—
Elsa Ohlen,
CNBC,
11 Mar. 2026
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The dozens of demonstrators who signed up to give their public comment had to wait outside.—
Eleanor Nash,
Kansas City Star,
11 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Apply.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apply. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
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