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
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Recent Examples of applying
In addition to rinsing off aphids, applying a soapy water solution can help get them out of your garden.
—
Abby Monteil, The Spruce, 12 June 2026
To recreate the look, begin by applying styling gel to your hair and then part it in the middle.
—Ranyechi Udemezue, Vogue, 12 June 2026
The 2024 collection made use of d’Adda’s surplus fabrics from her fall 2022 collection by applying them to Louboutin styles and a codesigned silhouette, the Addada boot.
—Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 11 June 2026
Larimer County Conservation Corps Volunteers removed dead trees, invasive species and other fuels that could contribute to future wildfires, applying lessons learned from Larimer County's recovery efforts.
—Dillon Thomas, CBS News, 11 June 2026
Messinger recommends testing the spray on one leaf before applying it more widely to prevent plant burn.
—Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 11 June 2026
Jay has just one hour of oxygen left to forge an escape, applying the knowledge and skill set his late father passed on to him, while also reconciling their strained relationship in the process.
—Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 11 June 2026
Ohio’s exemption is fairly broad, applying not only to construction materials, but to the expensive equipment — such as server racks and cooling systems — used in data centers.
—Marc Levy, Fortune, 29 May 2026
When applying blush to her mature clients, Paulina works with the bone structure.
—Jenny Berg, Glamour, 29 May 2026
Abby Monteil, The Spruce, 12 June 2026
To recreate the look, begin by applying styling gel to your hair and then part it in the middle.
—Ranyechi Udemezue, Vogue, 12 June 2026
The 2024 collection made use of d’Adda’s surplus fabrics from her fall 2022 collection by applying them to Louboutin styles and a codesigned silhouette, the Addada boot.
—Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 11 June 2026
Larimer County Conservation Corps Volunteers removed dead trees, invasive species and other fuels that could contribute to future wildfires, applying lessons learned from Larimer County's recovery efforts.
—Dillon Thomas, CBS News, 11 June 2026
Messinger recommends testing the spray on one leaf before applying it more widely to prevent plant burn.
—Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 11 June 2026
Jay has just one hour of oxygen left to forge an escape, applying the knowledge and skill set his late father passed on to him, while also reconciling their strained relationship in the process.
—Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 11 June 2026
Ohio’s exemption is fairly broad, applying not only to construction materials, but to the expensive equipment — such as server racks and cooling systems — used in data centers.
—Marc Levy, Fortune, 29 May 2026
When applying blush to her mature clients, Paulina works with the bone structure.
—Jenny Berg, Glamour, 29 May 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.—
Anthony Reardon,
Kansas City Star,
18 May 2026
-
The young players seem to like how Harbaugh is teaching and relating, too.—
Pat Leonard,
New York Daily News,
9 May 2026
Verb
-
That meant last summer devoting resources to improving the Hurricane Harbor water park, which Lawrence says specifically attracts families and grandparents.—
Todd Martens,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2026
-
The Man-At-Arms, also known as Duncan, serves as He-Man's mentor and father figure in the film, devoting his time to He-Man.—
Lisa Stardust,
PEOPLE,
5 June 2026
Verb
-
The Asian tiger mosquito, one of the most invasive insect species in Connecticut, is rapidly spreading and finding more territory in the state.—
Stephen Underwood,
Hartford Courant,
12 June 2026
-
May 13 — The United States declares war on Mexico; news begins slowly spreading toward California.—
Kurt Snibbe,
Oc Register,
12 June 2026
Verb
-
Tabbed nothing less than the golden generation, they were meant to grow a sport that long had roots but never could quite blossom, using the soil of their own country to do it.—
Dana O’Neil,
CNN Money,
13 June 2026
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Switch on headlights - Even during daylight hours, using headlights can enhance visibility and signal your presence to other drivers.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
13 June 2026
Verb
-
Italy’s national anti-mafia prosecutor, Giovanni Melillo, said the seizures form part of a broader effort to dismantle the Sicilian Mafia’s economic infrastructure and prevent it from rebuilding criminal networks capable of exerting global financial and social influence, including intimidation.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
28 May 2026
-
Trump has been exerting growing pressure on Mexico, with questions looming over issues including human rights, national sovereignty and regional diplomacy.—
Dorany Pineda,
Los Angeles Times,
28 May 2026
Verb
-
Swift and Kelce are apparently enforcing a no ring, no bring policy.—
Teresa Mull,
FOXNews.com,
13 June 2026
-
Namibia and South Africa have prevented Starlink from entering their telecoms markets, enforcing local ownership rules that have become a point of contention for multinational firms operating in Africa.—
Tiisetso Motsoeneng,
semafor.com,
12 June 2026
Verb
-
Listeners are encouraged to call into the show’s hotline, while Berner and Bishop dish out their best advice pertaining to all things relationships, life, social media and work.—
Emily Weaver,
PEOPLE,
5 June 2026
-
Owens has become a particularly controversial figure after touting conspiracy theories pertaining to the death of conservative American activist Charlie Kirk and the gender of French first lady Brigitte Macron, who has filed a defamation lawsuit against the podcaster.—
Zahra Ullah,
CNN Money,
4 June 2026
Verb
-
Local groups Sin Tope and Making Movies performed on the festival’s main stage, giving fans a chance to decompress and have some fun, rather than stressing about their favorite team.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
12 June 2026
-
Hunter Biden has reemerged in recent weeks online, posting on X and giving interviews about his life in recovery for his substance use disorder and ensuing legal troubles created political headaches for his father.—
Lia Russell,
Sacbee.com,
12 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Applying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/applying. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.
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