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
However, the switch won’t apply to all Android users, at least in the short term.
—
Will McCurdy, PCMAG, 15 Mar. 2025
The industry groups’ lawsuit repeatedly referred to sites such as YouTube and Facebook — while also saying the law would not apply to services such as Disney+.
—Jim Saunders, Sun Sentinel, 15 Mar. 2025
That focus on the bottom line also applies to megacap tech companies.
—Kate Rooney, CNBC, 15 Mar. 2025
And this particularly applies to products such as pharmaceuticals.
—Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for apply
Will McCurdy, PCMAG, 15 Mar. 2025
The industry groups’ lawsuit repeatedly referred to sites such as YouTube and Facebook — while also saying the law would not apply to services such as Disney+.
—Jim Saunders, Sun Sentinel, 15 Mar. 2025
That focus on the bottom line also applies to megacap tech companies.
—Kate Rooney, CNBC, 15 Mar. 2025
And this particularly applies to products such as pharmaceuticals.
—Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes, 3 Mar. 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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The story begins in 1942 Poland in the Chelmno extermination camp, the first of its kind to be devoted exclusively to the mass murder of Jews.—
Frank Scheck,
The Hollywood Reporter,
13 Mar. 2025
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The Biden administration put money back into navigator grants, and last year announced a plan to devote $500 million for the effort over five years.—
Maya Goldman,
Axios,
10 Mar. 2025
Verb
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After bird flu began to spread rapidly in dairy cattle, then infect farmworkers, the Biden administration lagged in its attempts to track and contain the virus, then largely left decisions about testing cows for the pathogen—the most effective way to track its spread—up to individual farmers.—
Katherine J. Wu,
The Atlantic,
21 Mar. 2025
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The humidity will be as low as 20% in these parts of the state, creating ideal conditions for existing fires to spread. U.S. 1 in Florida shut down in both directions on Friday due to low visibility from the 344 wildfire in Miami-Dade County, according to the county's emergency management agency.—
Kenton Gewecke,
ABC News,
21 Mar. 2025
Verb
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He is accused of using his long-standing association with the Rollin’ 60s, where he is allegedly regarded as a leader, and other street gangs to intimidate businesses and individuals in Los Angeles.—
DeMicia Inman,
VIBE.com,
20 Mar. 2025
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Whitten was attracted to screens—paintings in the MoMA show use abstraction to recall those of TV sets, computer monitors, and iPhones.—
Alex Greenberger,
ARTnews.com,
20 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Foreman belonged to an era when boxing exerted a vast pull on pop culture.—
Issy Ronald,
CNN,
22 Mar. 2025
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Will Novo Nordisk’s stock down 40% over the past year, will the Trump Administration pursue lax enforcement of drug compounders in order to exert pressure on a huge driver of Denmark’s economy?—
Seth Joseph,
Forbes,
18 Mar. 2025
Verb
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The Commission was created to enforce gambling laws and restrictions in Florida after Gov. Ron DeSantis’ new agreement with the Seminole Tribe — called a compact — giving the Tribe exclusive rights to offer sports betting in Florida.—
Alexandra Glorioso,
Miami Herald,
21 Mar. 2025
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In this instance, Boasberg ruled against the president's ability to enforce the nation's immigration laws.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
21 Mar. 2025
Verb
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As previously reported, the release of the files pertaining to the death of Kennedy — who was fatally shot during a Dallas motorcade in November 1963 — was teased during Trump's first term, before former President Joe Biden took limited action by releasing some.—
Brenton Blanchet,
People.com,
20 Mar. 2025
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In addition to his order pertaining to trans student athletes, Trump signed an order proclaiming that the government will recognize only two unchangeable sexes.—
Jo Yurcaba,
NBC News,
19 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Even the historically bad White Sox can't justify giving Gallo an opportunity to continue hitting.—
Mark Davis,
Newsweek,
17 Mar. 2025
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Glover made double bogey at the 15th, chipped in for eagle at 16, then gave it right back with another double at the infamous 17th hole.—
Justin Ray,
The Athletic,
16 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Apply.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apply. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.
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