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
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Recent Examples of apply
The Hurricanes did apply pressure, recording six quarterback hurries, but wasn’t able to finish those plays.
—
Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
That would apply to at least four companies, according to data from the California Research Bureau.
—Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 9 Jan. 2026
My hair feels brittle, my skin is dry from the cold weather, and my makeup is not applying right.
—Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 9 Jan. 2026
The benefit applied to both mothers and fathers, according to Little’s release.
—Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for apply
Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
That would apply to at least four companies, according to data from the California Research Bureau.
—Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 9 Jan. 2026
My hair feels brittle, my skin is dry from the cold weather, and my makeup is not applying right.
—Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 9 Jan. 2026
The benefit applied to both mothers and fathers, according to Little’s release.
—Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for apply
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apply
Verb
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Dykstra, 62, was arrested Thursday on suspicion of possessing narcotics and narcotic-related equipment but was not taken into custody, trooper Kody Nowicki told The Athletic.—
Matt Moret,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
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With so many insects packed together in moist and dark places — and all closely related, sharing the same genetic vulnerabilities — infections and diseases can quickly pose an enormous threat to the well-being of an ant colony.—
Arundathi Nair,
NPR,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The Spanish chef’s fine-dining concept is an homage to the glories of the world’s oceans, with a strong emphasis on the bounty of the local waters that includes lionfish, Mahi Mahi, and an entire menu section devoted entirely to various renditions of conch.—
Jesse Ashlock,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 Jan. 2026
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But Man-su, who has devoted his life to the careful cultivation of paper products while everyone else has gone digital, has an easier time setting his crime in motion than in executing it.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The group also reported that more than 2,300 people have been arrested and that demonstrations have spread to at least 180 cities nationwide.—
Emma Bussey,
FOXNews.com,
11 Jan. 2026
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The band was also unique in allowing fans to tape the concerts, with vigorous trading of tapes helping to spread recognition of their music outside of radio play.—
Adam Levine,
CNN Money,
11 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Privacy and partners Lenovo built Qira using a hybrid AI architecture.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
7 Jan. 2026
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Soft, spreadable butter that can be used instantly on toast and biscuits, or in baking recipes for cookies, cakes, and more.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Independence is exerting its local authority to add some restrictions to development agreements between the city and outside agencies.—
Ilana Arougheti,
Kansas City Star,
9 Jan. 2026
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My agonizing over a coin toss illustrates the basic distortion that gambling exerts on spectating.—
Rand Richards Cooper,
Hartford Courant,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Anthony Bernon, 28, said Americans are becoming increasingly concerned about i the aggressive tactics being used by ICE and other federal agencies enforcing immigration policy.—
David Goodhue,
Miami Herald,
13 Jan. 2026
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Anne Arundel County police said their investigation into the incident is ongoing and emphasized that its officers do not enforce immigration law or conduct ICE operations.—
Karina Tsui,
CNN Money,
13 Jan. 2026
Verb
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These could pertain to earnings and cash flow.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
11 Jan. 2026
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In colder months, these often pertain to keeping the house warm.—
Shagun Khare,
The Spruce,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Historically, the water’s purity was singular, giving life to a watershed that flourished because of a unique paucity of nutrients, a situation that hindered the pursuit of any single species that would dominate the rest.—
Amy Green,
Miami Herald,
9 Jan. 2026
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Utopia Bedding Quilted Comforter This Utopia Bedding comforter keeps my bed looking super fluffy and cloud-like and gives my bedroom an expensive look.—
Genevieve Cepeda,
PEOPLE,
9 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Apply.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apply. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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