1
2
as in to devote
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 to spread
to put a layer of on a surface
apply the ointment liberally
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to use
to put into action or service
apply the laws of motion to this physics problem
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
6
as in to enforce
to carry out effectively
a police officer applying the law
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of apply
Yet, law enforcement officials said barefoot driving may carry some risks, like inhibiting the ability to apply consistent pressure on the pedals or react quickly in emergency situations.
—
Laura Daniella Sepulveda, AZCentral.com, 12 July 2025
This color concept applies to plants as well as furnishings.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 July 2025
Keirsey perfectly played the carom off the concrete wall in high right field and fired a strike to Correa, who applied the tag.
—Dan Hayes, New York Times, 12 July 2025
Instead, apply a clean dressing over the eye and go to the hospital immediately.
—Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for apply
Laura Daniella Sepulveda, AZCentral.com, 12 July 2025
This color concept applies to plants as well as furnishings.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 July 2025
Keirsey perfectly played the carom off the concrete wall in high right field and fired a strike to Correa, who applied the tag.
—Dan Hayes, New York Times, 12 July 2025
Instead, apply a clean dressing over the eye and go to the hospital immediately.
—Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for apply
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apply
Verb
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Among them, 42% of reported drowning deaths were vehicle related.—
Bethany Blankley,
The Washington Examiner,
11 July 2025
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The death is unrelated to a recent die-off of prairie dogs in the area, which may also be plague-related.—
Stephanie Innes,
AZCentral.com,
11 July 2025
Verb
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Alaska ranks third, with residents devoting about 14 percent of their monthly income to premiums.—
Joe Edwards,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 July 2025
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Now, Koller is devoting much of her time to her lifelong passion for blending biology and machine learning as CEO and founder of insitro, a drug discovery and development company.—
Diane Brady,
Fortune,
9 July 2025
Verb
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With the draft beginning this coming Sunday and the trade deadline at the end of the month, A.J. Preller’s closest lieutenants are in San Diego rather than spread around the country looking at big-league and amateur players.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 July 2025
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Zoning, including single-family-exclusive zoning, first spread across the US in the early 20th century (before that, development was far more freewheeling and improvised).—
Marina Bolotnikova,
Vox,
7 July 2025
Verb
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Taiwanese soldiers stand by for a drill using an MIM-104 Patriot short-range anti-aircraft missile system at an air base in Taichung City, central Taiwan, on January 8, 2025.—
Ellie Cook,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 July 2025
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In this case, the Department of Homeland Security directly contacted state officials about using a quiet, remote airstrip to put up a soft-sided series of structures in which ICE detainees could be held pending court hearings.—
Anna Giaritelli,
The Washington Examiner,
6 July 2025
Verb
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Meanwhile, ComEd — the state’s dominant utility — still exerts enormous influence over Illinois’ energy policy.—
Micky Horstman,
Chicago Tribune,
7 July 2025
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The pulses appear to exert varying pressure that pushes on each rift zone differently, depending on the way the rift moves and the thickness of the crust on either side.—
Nora Bradford,
Scientific American,
7 July 2025
Verb
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Therefore, Woodard argues, her player contracts can’t be enforced against her.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
7 July 2025
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This is a fairly typical maneuver for NORAD jets enforcing temporary restrictions in the airspace around where the president is.—
Adeola Adeosun
Ellie Cook,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 July 2025
Verb
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This may seem a generous assessment—a prudent forecast would be crazy-high intoxication, at a minimum—but this pertains to the have-it-large contingent, which is relatively small.—
Jazz Monroe,
Pitchfork,
5 July 2025
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One of the most perplexing and detrimental aesthetic choices implemented here pertains to the emblematic animals in Dora’s purview.—
Carlos Aguilar,
Variety,
5 July 2025
Verb
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After the winners were announced, the couples were given two envelopes, one of which contained the $100,000 cash prize and the other didn’t.—
Giana Levy,
Variety,
14 July 2025
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Three spacious pools give you the choice between a saltwater mini-lap pool, the beach infinity pool or the adult pool which is conveniently located just step away from the Veuve Clicquot champagne bar.—
Sherrie Nachman,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Apply.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apply. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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