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
The task force is now applying that same regional coordination model to World Cup preparations.
—
Cierra Morgan, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2026
There were the snowboarders who were disqualified for applying ski wax that contained forever chemicals.
—Donna Vickroy, Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2026
After doing the work, the homeowner would need to do a final inspection before applying to receive the state grant.
—Lawrence Mower, Miami Herald, 19 Feb. 2026
Despite applying bucket loads of pressure, the Americans just couldn’t find a way past the quite stalwart Desbiens.
—Ben Church, CNN Money, 19 Feb. 2026
Use an exterior polycrylic-style lacquer, applying two to three thin coats once the paint dries.
—Shagun Khare, Martha Stewart, 19 Feb. 2026
The company is launching a new AI Professional Certificate, an eight-hour program focused on applying AI to research, content creation, and data analysis.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 19 Feb. 2026
My mom recommends applying heat protectant before using the tension on six for 40 seconds per section.
—Essence Wiley, InStyle, 19 Feb. 2026
Newton will be restricted from rejoining the department or even applying for private security license that is authorized by the Board of Police Commissioners.
—Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2026
Cierra Morgan, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2026
There were the snowboarders who were disqualified for applying ski wax that contained forever chemicals.
—Donna Vickroy, Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2026
After doing the work, the homeowner would need to do a final inspection before applying to receive the state grant.
—Lawrence Mower, Miami Herald, 19 Feb. 2026
Despite applying bucket loads of pressure, the Americans just couldn’t find a way past the quite stalwart Desbiens.
—Ben Church, CNN Money, 19 Feb. 2026
Use an exterior polycrylic-style lacquer, applying two to three thin coats once the paint dries.
—Shagun Khare, Martha Stewart, 19 Feb. 2026
The company is launching a new AI Professional Certificate, an eight-hour program focused on applying AI to research, content creation, and data analysis.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 19 Feb. 2026
My mom recommends applying heat protectant before using the tension on six for 40 seconds per section.
—Essence Wiley, InStyle, 19 Feb. 2026
Newton will be restricted from rejoining the department or even applying for private security license that is authorized by the Board of Police Commissioners.
—Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for applying
Verb
-
Morello himself serves as kind of a guide in the film, relating his own love of metal growing up as a Black kid in a conservative, ethnically homogeneous suburb of Chicago.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
19 Feb. 2026
-
The collision of opposing perspectives forges art that challenges and confronts, that forces us out of familiar ways of thinking, relating and being.—
Richard P. Weigand,
Rolling Stone,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
There are still young people out there who are devoting themselves to the craft.—
Outside,
Outside,
23 Feb. 2026
-
That meant his best career move was devoting himself full-time to catching and improving his stock with the glove.—
John Romano,
The Orlando Sentinel,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
With an Illinois assistant in attendance to watch Johnson, the 5-foot-9 Hartman ran the offense with precision, steadying her teammates and spreading the floor with her ball movement.—
Bobby Narang,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Feb. 2026
-
The organization also reported that ALS often begins in the hands, feet, arms or legs before spreading to other parts of the body.—
Jason Pham,
StyleCaster,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Such batteries are also much easier and safer to dispose of, and can potentially be made using cheaper and less rare materials.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
21 Feb. 2026
-
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a USA Today editor.—
USA Today staff,
USA Today,
21 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Their immense gravitational influence churns gas, dust, and even proximate stars around them, thus exerting a tremendous influence on their host galaxies.—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Outside Iran, Gulf states are exerting intense pressure to prevent regional war.—
Pegah Banihashemi,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Duffy said that a number of states have hired other companies to administer commercial driver's licenses tests, and those companies aren't enforcing the standards that drivers are supposed to meet to demonstrate their driving and English skills.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
21 Feb. 2026
-
Critics will argue that enforcing employer sanctions could disrupt industries and raise consumer prices.—
Federico Peña,
Denver Post,
21 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Multiple legal notices pertaining to the lawsuit were spotted posted to the front door of her apartment.—
Colin Mixson,
New York Daily News,
22 Feb. 2026
-
Matters pertaining to immigration enforcement fall within the exclusive purview of federal authorities.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Staff strike an easy balance, remaining accessible while still giving guests the space to enjoy the area’s quiet and calm.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Again, the Dodgers have talked openly about giving him more days off, because everything with this organization centers on October.—
Fabian Ardaya,
New York Times,
20 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Applying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/applying. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.
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