as in to buckle (down)
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apply (oneself)
Verb
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Domi pitched in for some big moments, but he also got dominated at five-on-five to the tune of a 37 percent xG rate.—
The Athletic NHL,
New York Times,
3 May 2025 -
And pitchers have more pitches in their arsenal and better spin rate with each one.—
Dan Freedman,
Forbes.com,
3 May 2025
Verb
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Much of the original delay was because the feds demanded this new requirement but didn't give the states any money to implement it, so the states dug in until they got paid.—
Carlo Versano,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 May 2025
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Before the interview with ABC News, the administration had dug in on its refusal to heed the Supreme Court order to help return Mr. Abrego Garcia, who is a Salvadoran migrant.—
Zolan Kanno-Youngs,
New York Times,
30 Apr. 2025
Verb
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However, the worse the prison’s conditions become — as the workers are forced to slave away on secret Death Star parts with no promise of release — the more Kino is pushed to join Cassian and his brewing prisoner revolt.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Vulture,
21 Apr. 2025
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Don’t like the idea of slaving away for hours in the kitchen this December?—
David Nikel,
Forbes.com,
12 Apr. 2025
Verb
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One teacher remembered him as an unspectacular student, more focused on making his cohort laugh than knuckling down.—
Jacob Whitehead,
New York Times,
24 Apr. 2025
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There is every chance Pepi may decide to knuckle down and keep pushing De Jong, as PSV chase a successful defense of their title and progress in the Champions League.—
Jeff Rueter,
The Athletic,
14 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Car loans have grown steadily longer in recent years, as buyers labor to keep pace with rising prices.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
27 Apr. 2025
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Holmes labored through four innings and the Dodgers welcomed Braves reliever Enyel De Los Santos with three hits and another run in the fifth, Will Smith driving it in with a two-out single.—
Bill Plunkett,
Oc Register,
1 Apr. 2025
Verb
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As several drummers banged away, Vázquez danced near a table and teammates clapped along to the music, including a spirited effort from Royce Lewis.—
Dan Hayes,
The Athletic,
16 Aug. 2024
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One of the roadies came out to bang away on the piano, the notes more felt than heard, part of the noise.—
Rob Sheffield,
Rolling Stone,
29 Sep. 2024
Verb
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Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki has struggled with his command in his stateside debut.—
Peter Chawaga,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 May 2025
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Megill struggled with his command, putting the first three batters on before getting an out.—
Abbey Mastracco,
New York Daily News,
11 May 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Apply (oneself).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apply%20%28oneself%29. Accessed 21 May. 2025.
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