APPLY Synonyms: 142 Similar and Opposite Words

apply

verb

ə-ˈplī

Definition of apply

as in to relate

to have a relation or connection does your rule about calling home apply to me as well?

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Relevance

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to spread

to put a layer of on a surface apply the ointment liberally

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as in to use

to put into action or service apply the laws of motion to this physics problem

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as in to exert

to bring to bear especially forcefully or effectively apply pressure to the area to stop the bleeding

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as in to enforce

to carry out effectively a police officer applying the law

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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 If their goal is to apply pressure, no pressure felt, no pressure applied. — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 19 Aug. 2026 That’s because insurance policies that cover their local work may not apply. — Ryan J. Foley, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026 Ibrahim said computer courses came next so people could prepare a resume and learn how to apply for a job in 21st Century America. — Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026 Cocaine is banned as a doping substance during competitions, with lower sanctions applied when used away from events. — ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for apply

Recent Examples of Synonyms for apply

Verb

Real estate and related industries used to account for as much as 30% of GDP in China.

— Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
Pittsburgh Public Safety While no indication was made that the incidents are related in any way, Wednesday morning's shootings comes less than 24 hours after gunfire rang out inside a business along Frankstown Avenue in Homewood on Tuesday.

— Mike Darnay, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of relate

Verb

Most parenting plans address physical custody and time-sharing, but many devote little attention to the challenges of managing a child’s education and extracurricular activities.

— Rebecca L. Palmer, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Aug. 2026
As a result, many web hosting services offer the platform, with WP Engine devoting all its resources to it.

— Gabriel Zamora, PC Magazine, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of devote

Verb

Beyond seeking members' votes, campaigns and the party look to organized labor for help in spreading Democrats' message to voters and getting people to the polls.

— ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
And alumni are among the college’s best ambassadors for spreading that message, insists Emma Donatille, executive director of the WCC Foundation that has handed out nearly $440,000 in scholarships over the years.

— Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of spread

Verb

The Triglav Lodge, Slovenia’s highest-altitude guest hut at an elevation of 2,515 meters (8,251 feet), is using paper plates this summer to save water on dishes.

— ABC News, ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026
Ukraine has been relatively successful at intercepting the massive numbers of drones that Russia uses in its large-scale attacks.

— Kosta Gak, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of use

Verb

Over the longer term, many economists expect AI to exert downward pressure on prices by creating efficiencies that make businesses more productive.

— Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
The president issued an executive order in March that moved to exert federal control over voter rolls and mail-in ballots.

— Zac Anderson, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of exert

Verb

More than 3,000 morality inspectors have been deployed across the country to enforce the Taliban’s decrees in public spaces and to pressure male family members to ensure women’s compliance within the home.

— Rina Amiri, Foreign Affairs, 14 Aug. 2026
Pete Katsis enforced that contract, for artists and fans, tens of thousands of times.

— Jeff Rabhan, Rolling Stone, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of enforce

Verb

The Arts District is a short rideshare away and gives you all the indie bars and restaurants and vintage shopping.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026
Karlie Lema’s pressure gave Bay FC (5-10-4) a lead in the sixth minute, but Moriya responded a minute later to tie it and Utah (11-6-3) took the lead in the 22nd minute on Narumi’s shot from outside the box.

— ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026