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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to use
to put into action or service
apply the laws of motion to this physics problem
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5
6
as in to enforce
to carry out effectively
a police officer applying the law
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of apply
Additionally, there is a hardship provision that allows any establishment to apply for a waiver if compliance proves too burdensome.
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Michael Seilback, New York Daily News, 14 Jan. 2025
The discussion came as Trump has threatened to apply a 25% tariff on Canada ahead of his return to the White House, with some Canadian CEOs discussing their own tariffs in response.
—Asher Notheis, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 14 Jan. 2025
It was created to soothe skin and enable users to apply other products for a more expansive routine.
—Jennifer Weil, WWD, 14 Jan. 2025
Eddy's book is written primarily for those in the legal profession, but many of the insights about a high-conflict individual can apply to those in other industries.
—Nik Ershov, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for apply 
Michael Seilback, New York Daily News, 14 Jan. 2025
The discussion came as Trump has threatened to apply a 25% tariff on Canada ahead of his return to the White House, with some Canadian CEOs discussing their own tariffs in response.
—Asher Notheis, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 14 Jan. 2025
It was created to soothe skin and enable users to apply other products for a more expansive routine.
—Jennifer Weil, WWD, 14 Jan. 2025
Eddy's book is written primarily for those in the legal profession, but many of the insights about a high-conflict individual can apply to those in other industries.
—Nik Ershov, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for apply
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apply
Verb
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Sources with knowledge of the investigation told The Times officials were aware of the earlier fire and its general proximity to the starting point of the Palisades fire, and looking into whether they are related.Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 13 Jan. 2025
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In 2021 and 2022, there were 50 and 55 crashes, respectively, that were alcohol related, according to city data.Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 31 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Hoppus has survived a terrifying health ordeal, and is ready to devote himself full-time to music.Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 12 Jan. 2025
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Science — to which Mann is supposed to be devoted — inevitably involves disagreement.The Editors, National Review, 10 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Many celebrities, including Spencer Pratt, Anna Faris, and Adrien Brody, have unfortunately lost their homes due to the rapidly spreading wildfires, with many other Angelenos under evacuation orders.Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 9 Jan. 2025
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Rapidly spreading wildfires tearing through Los Angeles County Wednesday have destroyed roughly 1,000 structures and forced tens of thousands of people to evacuate their homes.Rebecca Falconer, Axios, 9 Jan. 2025
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This is not the first time that Bad Bunny has used his platform to elevate political messaging.Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2025
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The Los Angeles Dodgers roster is nearing completion for the 2025 season, but center field could use an upgrade.Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 8 Jan. 2025
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Yet the imposition of financial obstacles to limit access to care still exerts a powerful influence on healthcare policy in the U.S.Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2025
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The country also exerts control over much of the mining and refining of critical minerals essential to the global economy and boasts some of the world’s most advanced infrastructure, including the largest high-speed rail network and cutting-edge 5G systems.Jude Blanchette, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Cramer said Wall Street might want to more seriously consider what a TikTok ban would mean for the market, saying if the law is upheld it will likely be enforced by platforms like Apple and Google.Julie Coleman, CNBC, 8 Jan. 2025
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The Justice Department is currently enforcing 15 existing agreements and has opened 12 new investigations into law enforcement agencies since Biden's term began.N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA TODAY, 8 Jan. 2025
Verb
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On one hand, the injunction pertains only to Pavia.Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 22 Dec. 2024
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Charges pertaining to the fourth victim, Maureen Brainard-Barnes, were brought in January of this year.Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 17 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Joann filed for bankruptcy in March 2024 but at the time gave a positive spin on the situation and emerged a month later as a private company, retaining all of its 800-odd stores.Mark Faithfull, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025
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This allowed Haaland to play off multiple touches and gave De Bruyne and Foden time to make runs.Liam Tharme, The Athletic, 15 Jan. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Apply.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apply. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.
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