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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of apply
Think of this as the first step in your makeup routine; just remember to apply moisturizer and sunscreen first.
—
Kiana Murden, Vogue, 8 Apr. 2025
Successfully applying past practices to today’s challenges requires learning about the cultures that put those tools to work effectively for so long, so long ago.
—Ari Caramanica, The Conversation, 8 Apr. 2025
But at the same time, all nine justices agreed that Venezuelan nationals facing deportation under the Act have a right to contest in a federal court whether the law, traditionally invoked during wartime, applies to them.
—Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 8 Apr. 2025
The fashion house’s artisans began experimenting with the material—which is extremely lightweight, strong, and pliable—and eventually created handles out of them by gently bending the stalks with fire and then applying many coats of lacquer.
—Diana Budds, Architectural Digest, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for apply
Kiana Murden, Vogue, 8 Apr. 2025
Successfully applying past practices to today’s challenges requires learning about the cultures that put those tools to work effectively for so long, so long ago.
—Ari Caramanica, The Conversation, 8 Apr. 2025
But at the same time, all nine justices agreed that Venezuelan nationals facing deportation under the Act have a right to contest in a federal court whether the law, traditionally invoked during wartime, applies to them.
—Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 8 Apr. 2025
The fashion house’s artisans began experimenting with the material—which is extremely lightweight, strong, and pliable—and eventually created handles out of them by gently bending the stalks with fire and then applying many coats of lacquer.
—Diana Budds, Architectural Digest, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for apply
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apply
Verb
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Engineering strength depends on an interpretive framework that relates forces, the size of an object and their ratio − which represents mechanical stress.—
Zachary del Rosario,
The Conversation,
18 Apr. 2025
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Jennifer is a senior writer at Ars Technica with a particular focus on where science meets culture, covering everything from physics and related interdisciplinary topics to her favorite films and TV series.—
Jennifer Ouellette,
ArsTechnica,
18 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The store also devoted four windows on Fifth Avenue to the collection, which will remain through April 30.—
Jean E. Palmieri,
Footwear News,
17 Apr. 2025
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The organization devoted a team to research fan sections across college sports, European leagues and around the world, which eventually led to the concept for The Wall.—
Lev Akabas,
Sportico.com,
17 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Word of mouth might have been enough for Jesus, but Minnie was relentless in promoting her daughter’s ministry, and McPherson herself embraced one medium after another for spreading her message.—
Casey Cep,
New Yorker,
14 Apr. 2025
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Ultimately, a total of 59 bodies were shipped home for burial, while another 150 were buried in Halifax, spread among three cemeteries.—
Greg Daugherty,
Smithsonian Magazine,
14 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Prosecutors said Mahdi constantly used brutality to solve his problems.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
11 Apr. 2025
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The team used surrogate dogs -- since adopted through the humane society -- to help give birth to the dire wolves, which are white.—
Mary Kekatos,
ABC News,
11 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Education is another sector where government funding exerts significant influence, as the Trump Administration is now demonstrating.—
John Cassidy,
New Yorker,
14 Apr. 2025
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The zigzag outlines of his pendant lights, for instance, exert a kind of magnetic force like lightning.—
The New York Times,
New York Times,
6 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The agency is responsible for policy and programs that address the nation’s housing needs and enforce fair housing laws.—
Julia Mueller,
The Hill,
14 Apr. 2025
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School police officers at Florida International University will soon begin training to learn how to enforce immigration laws on campus.—
Clara-Sophia Daly,
Miami Herald,
12 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Two lawmakers used the practice in 2003 during a vote pertaining to Medicare, according to the Congressional Research Service.—
Mychael Schnell,
The Hill,
6 Apr. 2025
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The actual letter wasn’t disclosed, with the city again asserting that the records pertained to personnel matters.—
Alex Brizee,
Idaho Statesman,
2 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Plenty even gave me their own kitty stories too.—
Ron Estes,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2025
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Huang gave Bibb a white T-shirt and some twine and showed her how to tie the fabric into a sausage shape.—
Michael Schulman,
New Yorker,
31 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Apply.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apply. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.
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