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
Women living in Mexico City between the ages of 22 and 40 can apply now through July 1, by visiting the foundation’s website.
—
Jessica Roiz, Billboard, 7 June 2025
This applies if there are two or more people present at the event.
—Alecia Taylor, Kansas City Star, 7 June 2025
For instance, in Washington and Oregon, similar rules apply, while some states restrict this maneuver more heavily or require explicit signage allowing it.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 7 June 2025
The same applies to the other numbers noted in the study, 6835, 7637, 8093, and 9629.
—Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for apply
Jessica Roiz, Billboard, 7 June 2025
This applies if there are two or more people present at the event.
—Alecia Taylor, Kansas City Star, 7 June 2025
For instance, in Washington and Oregon, similar rules apply, while some states restrict this maneuver more heavily or require explicit signage allowing it.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 7 June 2025
The same applies to the other numbers noted in the study, 6835, 7637, 8093, and 9629.
—Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for apply
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apply
Verb
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Despite his policy expertise, Murthy’s speech was personal, relating the lowest points in his career and the power of a small group of friends to shift his mindset and repair his spirit.—
Ann Kowal Smith,
Forbes.com,
17 June 2025
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Mohamed told the board that related AI guidelines prohibit sharing any personal data or using it for grading.—
Mike Danahey,
Chicago Tribune,
17 June 2025
Verb
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However, manufacturers should devote similar attention to their return on data.—
Simon Dae Oong Kim,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
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As one of vanishingly few Palestinian American voices in Hollywood, Amer might have devoted what would, unfortunately, be his show’s final season to current events.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
3 June 2025
Verb
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The impact of the global pandemic has been even more widely felt, and is unlikely to fade from anyone’s memory any time soon as COVID-19 continues to spread, develop new variants, and take a toll on people whose recovery from the virus can take months, or even years.—
Chantelle Lee,
Time,
13 June 2025
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Users have also spotted Google's AI search summaries spreading incorrect information.—
Michael Kan,
PC Magazine,
13 June 2025
Verb
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On Wednesday, police in Seattle used pepper spray to clear out protesters, and officers in Denver used smoke and pepper balls to control a crowd.—
Krysta Fauria,
Chicago Tribune,
13 June 2025
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Shein may be using a partnership to bring goods made in India to its global consumers.—
Meghan Hall,
Sourcing Journal,
12 June 2025
Verb
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As Madigan so skillfully proved over his decades in power, caucus leaders exert immense influence over members by doling out funds in their campaign war chests, bankrolled by those special interests.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
11 June 2025
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In a social media post Wednesday morning on X, Vance echoed his boss’ urging that the central bank ease monetary policy, after the latest inflation readings showed that tariffs are yet to exert any substantial upward pressure on inflation.—
Jeff Cox,
CNBC,
11 June 2025
Verb
-
Authorities warn of new DMV scam texts Texas governor signs law to enforce age verification on Apple, Google app stores Other new updates coming to Instagram soon The ability to rearrange profile grids isn't the only new feature coming to the social media app.—
Greta Cross,
USA Today,
13 June 2025
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But the rules weren’t strictly enforced and those designations were watered down.—
Leslie Kelly,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2025
Verb
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From adding a dynamic weapon like George Pickens into the fold to keeping the curtains up on what exactly the offense will look like under first-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer, Prescott delved into a variety of topics pertaining to the upcoming season.—
Nick Harris,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
12 June 2025
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Stefon Diggs, who landed a three-year contract with the New England Patriots this offseason, showed little interest in providing any more details pertaining to the social media video showing him on a yacht.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
11 June 2025
Verb
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Some shook their legs nervously, others gave death glares to folks with the misfortune of sitting on creaky chairs.—
Omkar Khandekar,
NPR,
8 June 2025
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Adding Ángeles Cruz also seemed natural to give Sira a voice.—
Callum McLennan,
Variety,
8 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Apply.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apply. Accessed 21 Jun. 2025.
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