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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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 The lawyer of the future may increasingly resemble an architect, physician, or strategic advisor whose value lies not in generating work product but in validating, interpreting, and applying expertise. —

Joseph Andrew, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026 But when a friend who turned 15 started applying for work, Njea had to be honest. —

ABC News, 18 June 2026 The number of Americans applying for jobless aid fell modestly last week as layoffs remained in the same historically low range of recent years. —

Matt Ott, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026 But lower courts are still having trouble applying it. —

Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 18 June 2026 In addition to rinsing off aphids, applying a soapy water solution can help get them out of your garden. —

Abby Monteil, The Spruce, 12 June 2026 To recreate the look, begin by applying styling gel to your hair and then part it in the middle. —

Ranyechi Udemezue, Vogue, 12 June 2026 The 2024 collection made use of d’Adda’s surplus fabrics from her fall 2022 collection by applying them to Louboutin styles and a codesigned silhouette, the Addada boot. —

Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 11 June 2026 Jay has just one hour of oxygen left to forge an escape, applying the knowledge and skill set his late father passed on to him, while also reconciling their strained relationship in the process. —

Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 11 June 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