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
In late May, Engberg Anderson Architects applied for a flurry of construction permits with the city of Fort Worth for the $63 million, six-acre affordable housing development in Fort Worth’s Historic Southside neighborhood.
—
Emily Holshouser, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 June 2026
For most dogs, though, none of that applies.
—Niranjana Rajalakshmi, Popular Science, 4 June 2026
Nobody knows for sure, and their characteristics could be varied enough that all three may apply.
—Keith Cooper, Space.com, 4 June 2026
Kamoutsas was the search committee’s lone recommendation for the position following a national search that saw more than 100 people apply.
—Austin Horn
june 4, Miami Herald, 4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for apply
Emily Holshouser, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 June 2026
For most dogs, though, none of that applies.
—Niranjana Rajalakshmi, Popular Science, 4 June 2026
Nobody knows for sure, and their characteristics could be varied enough that all three may apply.
—Keith Cooper, Space.com, 4 June 2026
Kamoutsas was the search committee’s lone recommendation for the position following a national search that saw more than 100 people apply.
—Austin Horn
june 4, Miami Herald, 4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for apply
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apply
Verb
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Early in her address, Kornbluth talked about how people relate stories to her, of how MIT changed their lives.—
John Werner,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2026
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This is also an excellent day for creative work or coming up with new approaches to medicine or something that is health-related.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
30 May 2026
Verb
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After devoting the offseason and spring training to improving his mechanics and approach, Rincon has looked like a different player.—
Charlotte Varnes,
New York Times,
2 June 2026
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The malware devotes considerable attention to CI/CD (continuous integration/continuous delivery) systems, which allow for faster and more reliable software releases by automating the building, testing, and deploying of code changes.—
Dan Goodin,
ArsTechnica,
1 June 2026
Verb
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The hotel has 277 rooms and suites spread across 12 floors of the 42-story building, ranging from a 460-square-foot deluxe room to the ultra-luxe 2,300-square-foot Presidential Suite, built for entertaining.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
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Worthington’s column was serialized, spreading this idea around.—
Jonathan Odden,
Artforum,
2 June 2026
Verb
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In the third, La Mirada used a single and two walks to load the bases with two outs but Escobar escaped when shortstop Angie Jimenez snagged a line drive.—
Dan Albano,
Oc Register,
30 May 2026
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Norrased, who did most of the communication with the villagers in Thai, taught them how to correctly use the mouthpiece for the oxygen tanks.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
30 May 2026
Verb
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There can be a real temptation to want to write your own story and exert too much.—
Carita Rizzo,
Deadline,
2 June 2026
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Iran’s efforts to exert control in the strait have raised concerns that Tehran could impose a tolling system on passing ships.—
Kevin Breuninger,
CNBC,
1 June 2026
Verb
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The referee can show the five-second countdown to enforce the rule.—
Jordan Campbell,
New York Times,
31 May 2026
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CoreCivic does not set or enforce immigration law.—
Jim Axelrod,
CBS News,
31 May 2026
Verb
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Seeking a solution, Soriano led an effort to bring in new members in August, using a clause in California code pertaining to corporations.—
Noah Lyons,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
28 May 2026
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More details have been unearthed pertaining to the health of Kyle Busch prior to the NASCAR legend’s sudden death last week.—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
28 May 2026
Verb
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The Washington Nationals used Richard Lovelady, who blew Monday’s series opener, as an opener, followed by veteran Miles Mikolas for a bulk appearance, their most promising combination given their roster construction and arms available.—
Danielle Allentuck,
Washington Post,
3 June 2026
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Further, current macroeconomic risks would call for more hedging, given that consumer sentiment may be pressured in the coming months by persistently higher oil prices, while decline in the savings rate could signal another sign of fragility, Murphy said.—
Justina Lee,
CNBC,
3 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Apply.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apply. Accessed 8 Jun. 2026.
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