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
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Recent Examples of apply
The officials added that the new restrictions would not apply to the entry of water.
—
Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 3 Mar. 2025
Well, apparently the Kentucky distillery is continuing its altruistic streak, because starting today nonprofit organizations can apply to the 100 Bourbon Sets for 100 Charities initiative to receive some of its most valuable bottles to auction off to raise money for a series of good causes.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 3 Mar. 2025
The bounce on the ends of her hair was also courtesy of the tool’s concentrator, and Coco applied Shark’s FlexFusion Straightener Attachment as the last step to lock in all that newfound volume and silk-like shine.
—Stacia Datskovska, WWD, 3 Mar. 2025
This approach can be applied to a team, a division, or even an entire organization.
—Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for apply
Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 3 Mar. 2025
Well, apparently the Kentucky distillery is continuing its altruistic streak, because starting today nonprofit organizations can apply to the 100 Bourbon Sets for 100 Charities initiative to receive some of its most valuable bottles to auction off to raise money for a series of good causes.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 3 Mar. 2025
The bounce on the ends of her hair was also courtesy of the tool’s concentrator, and Coco applied Shark’s FlexFusion Straightener Attachment as the last step to lock in all that newfound volume and silk-like shine.
—Stacia Datskovska, WWD, 3 Mar. 2025
This approach can be applied to a team, a division, or even an entire organization.
—Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for apply
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apply
Verb
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The keepers of the winter count are charged not only with recording new events but with relating the community’s history by translating the symbolized events to an oral performance.—
Christopher T. Green,
Artforum,
1 Mar. 2025
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During the sketch, Thompson called out the fact that Darius and Murphy's Morgan, who wore a shimmery red jacket and a comically large gold medallion, seemed like they might be related.—
Carly Tagen-Dye,
People.com,
17 Feb. 2025
Verb
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California needs to devote more money to rooftop solar, not less.—
Sammy Roth,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Feb. 2025
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Two features at True/False devote attention to human experience rarely documented in film: Deaf President Now!, directed by Nyle DiMarco and Oscar winner Davis Guggenheim, and The Silence of My Hands, directed by Manuel Acuña.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
26 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The ripple effects of the tense relations with the US have spread through Canadian society, with fans at NHL and NBA games in Canada even booing the US national anthem.—
Hira Humayun,
CNN,
9 Mar. 2025
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That evening outside Eaton Canyon, the fire spread without halting.—
Andrew J. Campa,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Mar. 2025
Verb
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The toilet used bacteria to convert human waste into water and gases.—
Amitava Kumar,
The New Yorker,
8 Mar. 2025
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These 12-week courses typically include work experience, can often be paid for using workforce grants, and allow students to return to the institution for other related and stackable credentials. 5.—
Bruno V. Manno,
Forbes,
8 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Elon Musk The world’s richest man spent over $200 million to get Trump elected, and his Department Of Government Efficiency has exerted vast influence, rapidly slashing agencies like USAID and accessing the government’s payment and HR systems.—
Joe Walsh,
Forbes,
24 Feb. 2025
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The phenomenon exerts a peculiarly deranging force, and until recently Americans remained oblivious.—
Gideon Lewis-Kraus,
The New Yorker,
24 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The Supreme Court struck down an emergency request by Biden to enforce the rewrite in states that defied the rewrite in August.—
Jackson Thompson,
Fox News,
9 Mar. 2025
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In other words, while the law guarantees a loan forgiveness program for public servants, the executive branch may be able to define some terms and enforce regulations – which is what Trump is attempting to do.—
Shahar Ziv,
Forbes,
8 Mar. 2025
Verb
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While the content flagged for removal often pertained to minority groups and diversity months, the AP also reported that certain images were cause for confusion.—
James Factora,
Them,
7 Mar. 2025
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One of Estée’s other favorite flowers was the calla lily, and in her memory, the front hall of the home that used to belong to Lauder’s grandparents—a home that is today used for personal holidays and events, sometimes pertaining to Estée Lauder, the company—are decorated with calla lilies.—
Rachel Burchfield,
Forbes,
7 Mar. 2025
Verb
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The La Jolla Symphony & Chorus was intended to give amateur musicians a place to play.—
Ashley Mackin Solomon,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
4 Mar. 2025
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Then again, perhaps the world of Goop is not so far away after all: In these pages, Marisa Meltzer looks at the longevity practices of Marina Abramović, who, with her workshops and serums, may well be giving Gwyneth Paltrow a run for her money.—
Sarah Douglas,
ARTnews.com,
4 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Apply.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apply. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
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