1
as in relating
to have a relation or connection
does your rule about calling home apply to me as well?
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in devoting
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 spreading
to put a layer of on a surface
apply the ointment liberally
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in using
to put into action or service
apply the laws of motion to this physics problem
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in exerting
to bring to bear especially forcefully or effectively
apply pressure to the area to stop the bleeding
Synonyms & Similar Words
6
as in enforcing
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 applying
Neel said many community members have made preparations in anticipation of the ruling, including applying for asylum.
—
Kerry Burke,
New York Daily News,
26 June 2026
Woman applying estrogen patch during hormone therapy.
—
Angelica Peebles,
CNBC,
26 June 2026
Planners in Athens and across Europe already envision applying the same kind of network far beyond fire detection.
—
ABC News,
26 June 2026
Many organizations realize immediate value by applying AI to operational processes.
—
Alejandro Oses,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2026
In a 6-3 vote, the high court ruled that federal law permits the government to prevent asylum seekers from physically setting foot into the country, effectively blocking them from applying for asylum.
—
Brittney Melton,
NPR,
26 June 2026
Use it to define the shape of your lips or give your pout a hint of color before applying a lipstick or gloss.
—
Clara McMahon,
PEOPLE,
25 June 2026
The number of Americans applying for jobless aid fell modestly last week as layoffs remained in the same historically low range of recent years.
—
Matt Ott,
Los Angeles Times,
18 June 2026
But lower courts are still having trouble applying it.
—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
18 June 2026
Kerry Burke,
New York Daily News,
26 June 2026
Woman applying estrogen patch during hormone therapy.
—
Angelica Peebles,
CNBC,
26 June 2026
Planners in Athens and across Europe already envision applying the same kind of network far beyond fire detection.
—
ABC News,
26 June 2026
Many organizations realize immediate value by applying AI to operational processes.
—
Alejandro Oses,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2026
In a 6-3 vote, the high court ruled that federal law permits the government to prevent asylum seekers from physically setting foot into the country, effectively blocking them from applying for asylum.
—
Brittney Melton,
NPR,
26 June 2026
Use it to define the shape of your lips or give your pout a hint of color before applying a lipstick or gloss.
—
Clara McMahon,
PEOPLE,
25 June 2026
The number of Americans applying for jobless aid fell modestly last week as layoffs remained in the same historically low range of recent years.
—
Matt Ott,
Los Angeles Times,
18 June 2026
But lower courts are still having trouble applying it.
—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
18 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for applying
Verb
-
So, remember, by finding weeds, noting their location, relating them to a condition, and choosing corrective actions based on that condition, gardeners can begin to form maintenance diagnoses for their gardens through weeds.
-
The young players seem to like how Harbaugh is teaching and relating, too.
Verb
-
These days, those same thinkers describe their object of study as Unidentified Aerial Phenomena—and universities, governmental agencies, and independent groups are devoting serious resources to finally getting to the bottom of whether extraterrestrials really are out there.
-
But to avoid being stretched too much, defined as devoting more than 30% of their pay to housing, their income should be closer to $250,000.
Verb
-
Winslow has been on a ventilator and is now battling septic shock, with organ failure and a spreading infection.
-
Ukraine's drone revolution is spreading from the air to the ground.
Verb
-
In court documents, O’Hara alleged the defendants violated his First and Fourth Amendment rights, accusing them of unlawfully restricting free speech and initiating an unlawful seizure while using excessive force.
-
This article was created by content specialists using various tools, including AI.
Verb
-
The announcement comes ahead of a visit to the United States by new Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, with Washington exerting pressure on Baghdad to ensure the factions turn in their weapons.
-
Putin’s invasion of Ukraine was not a new way of exerting and expanding power.
Verb
-
The statement also said Blue Island police are focused on preventing crime, responding to emergencies and enforcing state and local laws, not federal immigration enforcement, as that’s the responsibility of federal agencies.
-
Cal Fire, along with local Sacramento‑area fire departments, law enforcement agencies, and Shriners Children's Hospital, held a press conference Thursday to emphasise their commitment to enforcing strict fireworks restrictions.
Verb
-
Evidence pertaining to the Fire Department’s response was not permitted at the trial.
-
That governing body doesn’t have an official policy pertaining to matters of climate.
Verb
-
The Athletics beat the Dodgers 7-1 on Wednesday night, giving the West Sacramento team its only win of the series with the Dodgers, winners of the past two World Series, failing to secure a three-game sweep.
-
Another prohibits giving lectures in public parks without city permission.
Cite this Entry
“Applying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/applying. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
