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
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
Travelers who have spent the past several years scrutinizing where their food, clothing and home goods come from are now applying the same questions to their vacation memorabilia.
—Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 29 May 2026
When applying blush to her mature clients, Paulina works with the bone structure.
—Jenny Berg, Glamour, 29 May 2026
After applying to more than 3,000 jobs and internships over his time in school, the 23-year-old began noticing employers were no longer asking only for traditional computer science skills.
—Lisa Chambers, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
The scientists can use this to safely experiment with new materials and printing techniques before applying them in factories.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 22 May 2026
Start With Skin Prep Before even thinking about applying makeup, pro groomers suggest indulging in a solid skin-care routine before adding anything else.
—Christian Allaire, Vogue, 22 May 2026
Bealer said the Park District could also pursue other funding sources, including applying for state grants or finance the project independently.
—Daniel I. Dorfman, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 2026
Notably, the formula also features a healthy dose of UV protection thanks to SPF 45—a win for the sunscreen-averse or anyone seeking a speedier means of applying daily SPF.
—Sophie Wirt, InStyle, 22 May 2026
Marc Levy, Fortune, 29 May 2026
Travelers who have spent the past several years scrutinizing where their food, clothing and home goods come from are now applying the same questions to their vacation memorabilia.
—Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 29 May 2026
When applying blush to her mature clients, Paulina works with the bone structure.
—Jenny Berg, Glamour, 29 May 2026
After applying to more than 3,000 jobs and internships over his time in school, the 23-year-old began noticing employers were no longer asking only for traditional computer science skills.
—Lisa Chambers, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
The scientists can use this to safely experiment with new materials and printing techniques before applying them in factories.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 22 May 2026
Start With Skin Prep Before even thinking about applying makeup, pro groomers suggest indulging in a solid skin-care routine before adding anything else.
—Christian Allaire, Vogue, 22 May 2026
Bealer said the Park District could also pursue other funding sources, including applying for state grants or finance the project independently.
—Daniel I. Dorfman, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 2026
Notably, the formula also features a healthy dose of UV protection thanks to SPF 45—a win for the sunscreen-averse or anyone seeking a speedier means of applying daily SPF.
—Sophie Wirt, InStyle, 22 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
-
In his junior year, Jeffries, who majored in political science, began devoting the bulk of his extracurricular energies to the university’s Black Student Union.—
Jason Zengerle,
New Yorker,
18 May 2026
-
Annie’s mother moved the agency out in 2013 and Annie took the front room as her own bedroom and living room, devoting the rest of the apartment to the growing dog-training business.—
Anne Kadet,
Curbed,
15 May 2026
Verb
-
Speaking of spreading the floor, Wembanyama has 20 more 3-point field goals at the end of his third season than all-time NBA 3-point leader Stephen Curry.—
Ramon Padilla,
USA Today,
29 May 2026
-
When someone dies of Ebola, their body continues to be highly contagious for seven or so days, with the virus spreading through bodily fluids.—
Gabrielle Emanuel,
NPR,
29 May 2026
Verb
-
The reforms would also require some facilities to assess the feasibility of using safer technologies or processes in their work, among other changes.—
Evan Bush,
NBC news,
30 May 2026
-
Zeferjahn had struggled earlier in the season, when the Angels were using him for multiple innings.—
Jeff Fletcher,
Oc Register,
30 May 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
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The incident underscored growing tensions between health officials enforcing strict Ebola containment measures and local customs surrounding funerals and burial rites.—
Michael Sinkewicz,
FOXNews.com,
22 May 2026
-
The flotilla, involving nearly 500 activists from 45 countries, revives questions over enforcing blockades in international waters amid Gaza’s deepening humanitarian crisis and a fragile, frequently violated ceasefire.—
Suzan Fraser,
Los Angeles Times,
18 May 2026
Verb
-
Court records reveal violent details pertaining to Kayla’s disappearance and death.—
Laura Bauer,
Kansas City Star,
19 May 2026
-
Also, according to sources familiar with the upcoming bipartisan legislation, there would be a governing body enacted to provide clear guidance on rules pertaining to the potential changes coming, with college administrators being in agreement on how they are enforced.—
Trey Wallace,
FOXNews.com,
15 May 2026
Verb
-
Hoff struck out 11 batters, giving him 76 strikeouts in 43 2/3 innings.—
John Maffei,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 May 2026
-
Plus, its fabric and zippers are the same color, giving the jacket an upscale monochromatic look.—
Sian Babish,
PEOPLE,
29 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Applying.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/applying. Accessed 30 May. 2026.
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