APPLYING Synonyms: 142 Similar and Opposite Words

applying

verb

present participle of apply

as in relating

to have a relation or connection does your rule about calling home apply to me as well?

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in spreading

to put a layer of on a surface apply the ointment liberally

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as in using

to put into action or service apply the laws of motion to this physics problem

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as in exerting

to bring to bear especially forcefully or effectively apply pressure to the area to stop the bleeding

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as in enforcing

to carry out effectively a police officer applying the law

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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 By applying sunscreen before heading outdoors, reapplying throughout the day and pairing it with other forms of sun protection, Mercer said people can reduce their risk of sunburn, premature skin aging and skin cancer. — Kaitlyn Harvey, AJC.com, 17 July 2026 These two drivers are poised to reaccelerate earnings by increasing high-margin recurring revenue and applying DBS to systematically improve Masimo's margins. — Harvey Stober, CNBC, 16 July 2026 Experience Signature is one of the plans that T-Mobile is automatically applying to the accounts of customers on retired plans. — Jon Brodkin, ArsTechnica, 16 July 2026 Companies sometimes skirt the issue by publishing wide salary ranges, which could deter women from applying. — Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 16 July 2026 The crash, which was captured on dashcam video, showed Singh never applying the brakes before slamming into traffic, according to investigators. — Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 15 July 2026 Pedro Porro has struggled for much of the past year at Tottenham Hotspur, but left Dallas to a standing ovation and a man-of-the-match award, applying a sumptuous finish for Spain’s excellent second goal. — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 15 July 2026 But local hoteliers say the proposal is riddled with problems, would unfairly impact hotels more than other businesses and might violate state law by applying flat fees to hotels instead of per-worker charges. — David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 July 2026 Allow the product to completely absorb before applying other skin care products, like face moisturizer and SPF. — Daley Quinn, Glamour, 9 July 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

Definition of relating

Verb

Kovich said attracting new development will ultimately be key to lowering rates further by spreading the cost of the water system across more customers.

— Nina Burns, CBS News, 14 July 2026
Many consumers are visiting more stores and making smaller purchases at each one, spreading their spending around rather than sticking to one retailer out of habit or loyalty.

— Arthur Zackiewicz, Footwear News, 14 July 2026

Definition of spreading

Verb

Supporters argue that these efforts are necessary to preserve attorney independence, protect client confidentiality, and prevent investors from exerting undue influence over lawyers.

— Joseph Andrew, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
Getting your hands dirty with charcoal, tweaking vents and chimneys to stop chunks of oak from flaring up and destroying your brisket, exerting your will over the heat inside a big metal box; barbecue takes a lot of practice.

— Noah Kaufman, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 July 2026

Definition of exerting

Verb

The question of Wardlaw’s mental health has been brought up before — and is now being used by Republican lawmakers to try to criticize city leaders for not properly enforcing the state’s camping ban for large cities.

— Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 15 July 2026
In an opinion published Tuesday, US District Judge James Boasberg granted a preliminary injunction blocking the State Department from enforcing the policy until the CITR’s lawsuit is resolved.

— Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 15 July 2026

Definition of enforcing

Verb

Poncy claims the renaming could lead to safety risk and communication issues for pilots and air traffic controllers, raises uncertainties pertaining to licensing and trademark rights, and is an overreach of power on local government.

— Abigail Hasebroock, Sun Sentinel, 8 July 2026
Bill Clinton issues rules that require that medical providers obtain the consent of patients before releasing medical information pertaining to those patients.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 July 2026

Definition of pertaining

Verb

A little over 22 months later in December 2025, FIFA announced the full list of group stage matches with venues and dates attached, giving DFW a strong case for the best slate across the board.

— Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026
Stocks @ Night is a daily newsletter delivered after hours, giving you a first look at tomorrow and last look at today.

— Jason Gewirtz, CNBC, 15 July 2026