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.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of apply
Women living in Mexico City between the ages of 22 and 40 can apply now through July 1, by visiting the foundation’s website.
—
Jessica Roiz, Billboard, 7 June 2025
This applies if there are two or more people present at the event.
—Alecia Taylor, Kansas City Star, 7 June 2025
For instance, in Washington and Oregon, similar rules apply, while some states restrict this maneuver more heavily or require explicit signage allowing it.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 7 June 2025
The same applies to the other numbers noted in the study, 6835, 7637, 8093, and 9629.
—Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for apply
Jessica Roiz, Billboard, 7 June 2025
This applies if there are two or more people present at the event.
—Alecia Taylor, Kansas City Star, 7 June 2025
For instance, in Washington and Oregon, similar rules apply, while some states restrict this maneuver more heavily or require explicit signage allowing it.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 7 June 2025
The same applies to the other numbers noted in the study, 6835, 7637, 8093, and 9629.
—Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for apply
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apply
Verb
-
Although Jaylin and Jalen Williams are not related, Jalen does have a brother in the NBA.—
Caroline Blair,
People.com,
5 June 2025
-
Investigators suspected the two killings were related but ran out of leads and the cases went cold.—
Marc Ramirez,
USA Today,
13 May 2025
Verb
-
However, manufacturers should devote similar attention to their return on data.—
Simon Dae Oong Kim,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
-
As one of vanishingly few Palestinian American voices in Hollywood, Amer might have devoted what would, unfortunately, be his show’s final season to current events.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
3 June 2025
Verb
-
After rumors spread recently that Coinbase and Ripple were vying to acquire Circle, the largest stablecoin company in the United States just squashed speculation by announcing their IPO will go live next week on June 4.—
Cleve Mesidor,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2025
-
The feature was received well by their readers and gradually spread to other publications.—
Dylan Hernández,
Los Angeles Times,
1 June 2025
Verb
-
The initiative draws water from the L.A. River in downtown L.A., cleans it and uses it to irrigate Los Angeles State Historic Park.—
Lucy Handley,
CNBC,
1 June 2025
-
In 2024, Summers performed an Off-Broadway show about his life titled The Life and Slimes of Marc Summers, which used Double Dare to tell his life story.—
Victoria Edel,
People.com,
31 May 2025
Verb
-
Threatening to bar or limit imports can successfully exert pressure on trading partners.—
Robert O. Keohane,
Foreign Affairs,
2 June 2025
-
Some exert control through violence, some through financial dominance, and others through the threat of divorce and social isolation.—
TrickleUp,
Forbes.com,
2 June 2025
Verb
-
The society began assuming many of the responsibilities previously provided by the county, signing contracts with cities across the region to take in strays, help with spaying and neutering, return lost animals to their owners and enforce licensing and other rules.—
Jeff McDonald,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
1 June 2025
-
If the tax code is going to be enforced by machines, and the preparation calculated and handled by the same, the rules those machines follow should be legible and contestable, argues Andrew Leahey.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2025
Verb
-
For instance, Santa Ana voters were set to decide on a measure that would have allowed noncitizens to vote in local elections, but this pertained solely to voting rights, not election administration.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 May 2025
-
Trump’s administration has also focused on social media posts in its investigation, particularly pertaining to Israel’s war with Hamas in Gaza.—
Joseph Wilkinson,
New York Daily News,
29 May 2025
Verb
-
The Dodgers have sent Clayton Kershaw to the mound to give a slumping team a lift countless times during his 18-year career.—
Kevin Baxter,
Los Angeles Times,
8 June 2025
-
This might look like suggesting a loose menu or theme ahead of time to give your guests some direction on what to bring, setting the table, and perhaps taking care of the main dish or drinks.—
Cameron Beall,
Southern Living,
8 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Apply.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apply. Accessed 12 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share