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
Regularly applying sealer to your grout and keeping the area clean is your best chance at preventing mold and mildew growth along your grout.
—
Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 10 Jan. 2026
My hair feels brittle, my skin is dry from the cold weather, and my makeup is not applying right.
—Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 9 Jan. 2026
Artists begin by sculpting the figure in clay before carefully applying layers of paint designed to give the skin a natural glow.
—Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026
They are not being discussed as serious contenders, though two sources said applying would do their internal reputation no harm.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 9 Jan. 2026
Cronin has the talent, his messages continue to resonate, and yet, there’s been a disconnect between applying practice and scouting reports to the game, primarily on defense.
—Aaron Heisen, Daily News, 9 Jan. 2026
Rather than applying to the lash line with a thin applicator tip, Typology opts for a spoolie wand to brush on like a mascara.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 9 Jan. 2026
However, $500 million in homelessness funds approved last year will still be available to local governments — as long as the state determines cities and counties applying for the money have made sufficient progress in alleviating the crisis.
—Ethan Varian, Mercury News, 9 Jan. 2026
Wise candidates applying for a high-profile job know of this risk.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 8 Jan. 2026
Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 10 Jan. 2026
My hair feels brittle, my skin is dry from the cold weather, and my makeup is not applying right.
—Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 9 Jan. 2026
Artists begin by sculpting the figure in clay before carefully applying layers of paint designed to give the skin a natural glow.
—Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026
They are not being discussed as serious contenders, though two sources said applying would do their internal reputation no harm.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 9 Jan. 2026
Cronin has the talent, his messages continue to resonate, and yet, there’s been a disconnect between applying practice and scouting reports to the game, primarily on defense.
—Aaron Heisen, Daily News, 9 Jan. 2026
Rather than applying to the lash line with a thin applicator tip, Typology opts for a spoolie wand to brush on like a mascara.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 9 Jan. 2026
However, $500 million in homelessness funds approved last year will still be available to local governments — as long as the state determines cities and counties applying for the money have made sufficient progress in alleviating the crisis.
—Ethan Varian, Mercury News, 9 Jan. 2026
Wise candidates applying for a high-profile job know of this risk.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 8 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for applying
Verb
-
Meanwhile, Hildebrandt was a family and couples counselor who founded ConneXions and had made a name for herself by relating the practices of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to her clients' issues.—
Caroline Blair,
PEOPLE,
6 Jan. 2026
-
This is a time which reminds us that relating is a skill.—
Colin Bedell,
Them.,
16 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Then there is the steady stream of profiles on tech billionaires joylessly devoting themselves to maximizing their lifespan.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
3 Jan. 2026
-
From the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal to CNN and even Fox News, nearly all the country’s major newsrooms are in the thrall of this vision of politics, devoting untold amounts of energy to technocratic commentary and polling.—
Jason Blakely,
Harpers Magazine,
30 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
In short, those spreading the lie that more high-rise construction and less preservation are the keys to solving our affordability crisis are the same people who are building market-rate housing that only the super wealthy can afford.—
Michael S. Hiller,
New York Daily News,
13 Jan. 2026
-
Last week, the grandmother learned that the disease had become terminal after spreading to her brain and lungs, WIFR reported.—
Sam Gillette,
PEOPLE,
13 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
On her birthday, Kate released the last of her Mother Nature videos on social media, using the platform to promote her message of being outside among wildlife and open spaces as a key to her wellbeing and recovery from her cancer treatment.—
Simon Perry,
PEOPLE,
14 Jan. 2026
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If dealing with persistent scum, create a paste using vinegar and baking soda, apply it, and leave it for 20 minutes before wiping it clean.—
Mary Cornetta,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Independence is exerting its local authority to add some restrictions to development agreements between the city and outside agencies.—
Ilana Arougheti,
Kansas City Star,
9 Jan. 2026
-
The stringent businessman makes Marty suffer and grovel for his money, at one point exerting his power by spanking the young man’s bare bottom with a wooden ping-pong paddle.—
Patrick Ryan,
USA Today,
31 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Police would definitely have their hands full enforcing that.—
Doug Turnbull,
AJC.com,
11 Jan. 2026
-
The green fee was also supposed to apply to cruises and their passengers, too, which makes up a large part of the Hawaii tourism scene, but a federal judge recently blocked Hawaii from enforcing the levy on the floating behemoths, according to CBS.—
Nicole Hoey,
Robb Report,
10 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
People at work have made rude comments pertaining to my hearing.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Mercury News,
6 Jan. 2026
-
In one of his first acts as mayor, Zohran Mamdani on Thursday revoked nine executive orders his predecessor, Eric Adams, issued after his federal corruption indictment, a move that undid actions pertaining to everything from antisemitism and immigration to New York City’s horse carriage industry.—
Chris Sommerfeldt,
New York Daily News,
2 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Stocks @ Night is a daily newsletter delivered after hours, giving you a first look at tomorrow and last look at today.—
Jason Gewirtz,
CNBC,
16 Jan. 2026
-
Kikivivi Satin Ballet Sneakers These ballet sneakers are giving Vivaia but for way, way less.—
Annie Blackman,
InStyle,
16 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Applying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/applying. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026.
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