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?

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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 Briceno recommends coating both sides of the brush, wiping away any excess, and making sure the bristles come to a clean edge before applying. — Marci Robin, Allure, 24 July 2026 The trailer relies on a hitch coupler force sensor to provide continuous feedback on the pull on the tow vehicle, managing the trailer's movement by increasing motor output or applying the electro-mechanical brakes located at all four wheels. — New Atlas, 23 July 2026 International students must now be more certain of their academic path before applying, establish strong study habits early, and cultivate robust support networks to navigate these stricter regulations. — Christopher Rim, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026 Surprisingly, the aggravation that the Spider-Man team endured five years ago hasn’t stopped them from applying a similar playbook to Sadie Sink’s top-secret role in Brand New Day. — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 23 July 2026 Built on refined techniques HD Hyundai Heavy Industries fabricated four of the nine total sectors, applying manufacturing techniques originally developed for large-scale maritime hulls and offshore industrial facilities. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 23 July 2026 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 Companies sometimes skirt the issue by publishing wide salary ranges, which could deter women from applying. — Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 16 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for applying

Verb

Its symbols represent a mathematical formula relating the time periods of celestial bodies’ motions in the sky.

— Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 13 July 2026
By researching Seth, Jacob is trying to recapture or devise a purer form of relating.

— Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 13 July 2026

Definition of relating

Verb

The committee’s recommendations also included devoting approximately 67% of the bond money toward maintenance, with the rest going toward student programs and technology improvements.

— Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 July 2026
Netflix’s take differentiates itself by devoting its entire first season to the earlier period.

— Judy Berman, Time, 9 July 2026

Definition of devoting

Verb

Investigators said Summers was using his phone extensively before the crash, driving 73-75 mph, and tested positive for cocaine and opiates.

— Chadd Cripe. Produced with AI assistance, Idaho Statesman, 30 July 2026
The competition series featured masters of shamanism, tarot, face and foot reading, saju and other divination disciplines competing in challenges that tested their abilities, using tools including fans, bells, dowsing rods and modern-day laptops.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 30 July 2026

Definition of using

Verb

But sometimes just thinking about tackling those jobs can feel exhausting, creating a barrier to success even for people who are highly motivated to improve their homes and their lives by exerting control over their belongings.

— Jolie Kerr, Washington Post, 18 July 2026
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

Definition of exerting

Verb

In April, Congress gave DHS $20 million to outfit body cameras for personnel enforcing immigration law – after the agency scored billions more in funds last year.

— Sarah Matusek, Christian Science Monitor, 23 July 2026
Although attendees represented a wide variety of job functions, most work in areas such as moderating online communities, developing and enforcing platform safety policies, combating fraud and abuse and protecting children online.

— Larry Magid, Mercury News, 23 July 2026

Definition of enforcing

Verb

Research suggests these different uses relate to development in different ways and can help kids develop varying skill sets pertaining to everyday life and schooling.

— Gabriel E. Hales, The Conversation, 17 July 2026
Taylor Frankie Paul faces a new legal battle pertaining to the well-being of her three children.

— Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 16 July 2026

Definition of pertaining

Verb

The loss dropped the A’s to 45-63 and 10 games out of both the American League West lead and the final AL Wild Card spot, while giving the red-hot Red Sox (56-51) no worse than a split of the four-game series ahead of Thursday’s finale.

— Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 30 July 2026
Head coach Andy Reid and Mahomes could be seen giving Royals instruction after the play.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 29 July 2026