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
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Recent Examples of apply
Cash transactions over $10,000 will trigger reporting on the dealer end, while most standard gold purchases don't generate IRS paperwork at the time of purchase — but dealer compliance and future resale rules still apply.
—
Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 19 Feb. 2026
The equal time provision applies only to broadcast, not streaming or internet programs.
—Meg Kinnard, Chicago Tribune, 19 Feb. 2026
Use an exterior polycrylic-style lacquer, applying two to three thin coats once the paint dries.
—Shagun Khare, Martha Stewart, 19 Feb. 2026
However, when it is used outside malls, grocery stores, hospitals, and other high-traffic locations, it's often applied more frequently.
—Timothy Dale, The Spruce, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for apply
Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 19 Feb. 2026
The equal time provision applies only to broadcast, not streaming or internet programs.
—Meg Kinnard, Chicago Tribune, 19 Feb. 2026
Use an exterior polycrylic-style lacquer, applying two to three thin coats once the paint dries.
—Shagun Khare, Martha Stewart, 19 Feb. 2026
However, when it is used outside malls, grocery stores, hospitals, and other high-traffic locations, it's often applied more frequently.
—Timothy Dale, The Spruce, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for apply
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apply
Verb
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Officials from the Baja California Attorney General’s Office said that the vast majority of homicides in the state are related in some way to illicit activities, such as drug dealing.—
Alexandra Mendoza,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 Feb. 2026
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When Santa Clara voters approved Levi’s Stadium in 2010, the ballot initiative included taxpayer protections that prevented the city from dipping into its general fund for stadium or event-related expenses.—
Ethan Varian,
Mercury News,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
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During Lent, the faithful devote themselves to prayer and other devotions, as well as charitable deeds, fasting and other forms of self-discipline.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
16 Feb. 2026
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Still, the too-long-didn’t-read of what’s unfolding in the world of air travel is that major carriers are devoting lots of time and resources to their premium tier of travelers.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
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As word spread on social media, Ozzy Osbourne stopped by.—
Danielle Paquette The Washington Post,
Arkansas Online,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Malliotakis has a history of spreading misleading information and incendiary lies tying immigrants to crimes, despite data showing immigrants commit crimes at far lower rates than others.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Eco effort The hotel uses solar power and has complimentary electric vehicle charging stations, in addition to offering glass bottles of water and several water stations.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 Feb. 2026
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Officials are also trying to make sure that the electronic logging devices drivers use are accurate, and that states are following all the regulations to ensure drivers are qualified to get commercial licenses.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
21 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Outside Iran, Gulf states are exerting intense pressure to prevent regional war.—
Pegah Banihashemi,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Feb. 2026
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Under a dual-class structure that gives Musk super-voting shares, the billionaire would establish a bulwark against activist shareholders exerting changes at the company against his wishes.—
Ryan Gould,
Fortune,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
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In September, audio emerged of Canada’s Minister of Public Safety Gary Anandasangaree, the official responsible for implementing the legislation, questioning the ability of police departments to enforce the buyback.—
Max Saltman,
CNN Money,
15 Feb. 2026
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What changes, if any, should be made in the way the Office of the Attorney General handles child support payments and enforcing child support laws?—
Eleanor Dearman,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Matters pertaining to immigration enforcement fall within the exclusive purview of federal authorities.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
20 Feb. 2026
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The Government Oversight Committee has jurisdiction over legislation pertaining to the state’s watchdog agencies, including the Office of State Ethics, and has the authority to hold hearings on audit reports.—
Mark Pazniokas,
Hartford Courant,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The 31-year-old right-hander is being given an opportunity to make the starting rotation, one of a group of what is likely five pitchers vying for what is almost certainly one available spot at the start of the season.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 Feb. 2026
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And there are likely more revelations and resignations to come, given the millions of documents spanning many years in the files released.—
Matt Egan,
CNN Money,
18 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Apply.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apply. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
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