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?

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to spread

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

as in to exert

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 While wiretapping lower-profile targets could potentially be used for intimidation or to gain political leverage, the same explanation would be difficult to apply in this case, Rukminto said. — ABC News, 4 Nov. 2026 The team of Northwestern researchers applied their method to existing images from the James Webb Space Telescope and improved its sensitivity by as much as 15 times, Northwestern said. — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 4 Nov. 2026 The researchers said their approach could also be applied to other quantum materials, allowing scientists to investigate electronic behavior that has previously been difficult to observe directly. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 29 Oct. 2026 Pick up a Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra and for a limited time, get $200 in Instant Samsung Credit to apply to an accessory purchase. — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 28 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for apply

Recent Examples of Synonyms for apply

Verb

The researchers point out that the mat was dominated by compounds derived from photosynthetic pigments, while the extract’s porphyrins were overwhelmingly heme-related.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Nov. 2026
Flagstaff police said that a second man, whose identity hasn’t been released, also was found dead Monday in a drainage area, and that the death appeared to be weather-related, pending an official determination of cause and manner of death.

— Christopher Weber, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of relate

Verb

Massachusetts devotes substantial attention to housing, entrepreneurship and the racial wealth gap.

— Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 7 Nov. 2026
Students who offload their coursework to AI can devote themselves to the clubs, internships, and leadership roles that become the standard everyone is measured against when interviewing for jobs.

— Alana Kaufman, Time, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of devote

Verb

The senator also used her remarks to underscore the stakes of electing lawmakers willing to withstand pressure from lobbyists and wealthy donors.

— Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 3 Nov. 2026
However, sometimes chuck and top sirloin are used, offering a richer, more flavorful, marbled cut.

— Natalia Vela, Southern Living, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of use

Verb

Far above them in social station are the Balfours, who exert considerable political influence from a stately manse.

— Dennis Harvey, Variety, 6 Nov. 2026
Meanwhile, Iran has increased drone strikes and other attacks on commercial ships to exert its own pressure on the United States, with October marking the highest number of ship attacks since the war began.

— Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of exert

Verb

This early risk awareness later defined his policy position, as Knot gained a reputation during his tenure as Dutch central bank governor for aggressively combating inflation, enforcing fiscal discipline, and safeguarding financial stability.

— , CNBC, 6 Nov. 2026
Mackenzie was charged with the murders alongside 28 of his followers, including guards who enforced his fasting directives and gravediggers who helped conceal the mass graves.

— ABC News, ABC News, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of enforce

Verb

Miami Beach code compliance officers also checked on the polling station at least six times for possible loud music and signage code adherence pertaining to Basabe, although no violations were issued, records show.

— Sofia Saric, Miami Herald, 3 Nov. 2026
Means ruled earlier this year that Kay could introduce new details pertaining to the evidence that led to his 2022 conviction.

— Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of pertain

Verb

Joji Waites, director of flight safety, policy and regulation at the British Air Line Pilots Association, said airline assessors grade a threat as red, amber or green, but that an amber verdict would never be given if the plane is airborne.

— Jenni Reid, CNBC, 7 Nov. 2026
Wiles gave Trump her resignation Thursday night, a person familiar with the events told The Associated Press, speaking on condition of anonymity to describe the private conversation.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Nov. 2026