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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of apply
Don’t worry about a promo code, the deal automatically applies to valid orders.
—
Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 5 Aug. 2025
The Financial Conduct Authority has worked on greenwashing regulations and the standards for applying a sustainable label to products.
—Justin Worland, Time, 5 Aug. 2025
In the past, commercial drone users operating beyond their line of sight had to apply for a waiver or exemption, which was awarded on a case-by-case basis, Duffy said.
—Joe Hernandez, NPR, 5 Aug. 2025
Any employee can apply for this benefit, making homeownership achievable for the entire staff.
—Alora Bopray, USA Today, 25 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for apply
Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 5 Aug. 2025
The Financial Conduct Authority has worked on greenwashing regulations and the standards for applying a sustainable label to products.
—Justin Worland, Time, 5 Aug. 2025
In the past, commercial drone users operating beyond their line of sight had to apply for a waiver or exemption, which was awarded on a case-by-case basis, Duffy said.
—Joe Hernandez, NPR, 5 Aug. 2025
Any employee can apply for this benefit, making homeownership achievable for the entire staff.
—Alora Bopray, USA Today, 25 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for apply
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apply
Verb
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All of this is related in the film’s mesmerizing Grimm-like opening.—
Randy Myers,
Mercury News,
15 Aug. 2025
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In a statement, a lawyer for Ortiz said his client’s guilty plea was highly tailored, relating only to his transactions with Pérez in the context of concert performances.—
Nancy Dillon,
Rolling Stone,
15 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Alves devoted part of that speech to the wonders of this country by providing the blessings of freedom and opportunity to people like him.—
Kevin Rennie,
Hartford Courant,
16 Aug. 2025
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This year, the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence stood up the Open-Source Intelligence Subcommittee, the first ever congressional body devoted specifically to an intelligence discipline.—
Ann Wagner,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Blazes have spread across southern Europe in recent days.—
Laura Paddison,
CNN Money,
12 Aug. 2025
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Four other bedrooms and eight bathrooms are spread across the upper and lower levels.—
Demetrius Simms,
Robb Report,
12 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Over the years, investigators pursued multiple leads without success, releasing a composite sketch of the suspect and using genetic genealogy and familial DNA testing in search of a match.—
Stephanie Murray,
AZCentral.com,
9 Aug. 2025
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Photos used in this column were made possible by the Barry Bingham Jr. Photograph Collection, which is maintained by University of Louisville Archives & Special Collections staff.—
Leo Bertucci,
Louisville Courier Journal,
9 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Trump’s takeover of the Kennedy Center — and its signature ceremony — reflect his effort to exert his influence over an array of cultural institutions.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
13 Aug. 2025
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And exerting their infectious will and influence from the sidelines of an essentially meaningless game.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
10 Aug. 2025
Verb
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On Tuesday, attorneys came back to ask Walker to expand that ruling, barring state attorneys from enforcing that aspect of the law against their clients.—
Kate Payne,
Sun Sentinel,
12 Aug. 2025
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Deployments have been used to enforce civil rights, quell urban violence, and, once, even to fill in for striking postal workers.—
Ramon Padilla,
USA Today,
12 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Valuation Multiples: The second component of the scenario pertains to cash flow multiples.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
8 Aug. 2025
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The company has built a reputation for services pertaining to identity and access management software.—
Beck Andrew Salgado,
Austin American Statesman,
30 July 2025
Verb
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Once done, the camera panned over to Kris, who gave a sassy smile before joining her girls.—
Angel Saunders,
People.com,
8 Aug. 2025
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The recall was given a Class II risk warning on August 1.12 NuNaturals Inc recalled 78 bottles of its Organic Pure Stevia and 78 bottles of its Pure Monk Fruit Sweetener.—
Amber Brenza,
Health,
8 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Apply.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apply. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
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