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
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of apply
President Trump is applying immense pressure to restructure our economy at a pivotal and opportune moment.
—
Matt Robison, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025
After washing, Cardona-Mason suggests applying a small amount of olive oil or coconut oil to the outer canal.
—Taylor Lane, Flow Space, 1 May 2025
This product is a biodegradable liquid solution that can be easily applied to the soil surface, connecting the stations around a house, creating a non-toxic protection zone around a structure.
—Jason Phillips, USA Today, 1 May 2025
Forbes is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
—Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for apply
Matt Robison, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025
After washing, Cardona-Mason suggests applying a small amount of olive oil or coconut oil to the outer canal.
—Taylor Lane, Flow Space, 1 May 2025
This product is a biodegradable liquid solution that can be easily applied to the soil surface, connecting the stations around a house, creating a non-toxic protection zone around a structure.
—Jason Phillips, USA Today, 1 May 2025
Forbes is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
—Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for apply
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apply
Verb
-
Jennifer Ouellette Senior Writer Jennifer is a senior writer at Ars Technica with a particular focus on where science meets culture, covering everything from physics and related interdisciplinary topics to her favorite films and TV series.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
30 Apr. 2025
-
Jennifer is a senior writer at Ars Technica with a particular focus on where science meets culture, covering everything from physics and related interdisciplinary topics to her favorite films and TV series.—
Jennifer Ouellette,
ArsTechnica,
18 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The Beavers appear more willing to devote every dollar possible to winning on the field during the Pac-12's transition.—
Jon Wilner,
Mercury News,
1 May 2025
-
The key to successfully bringing family into the C-suite is devoting time and training them and moving each of them up over time.—
Ray Titus,
Forbes.com,
1 May 2025
Verb
-
Controlling a fire means ensuring that the fire can't spread or cross the containment line.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
26 Apr. 2025
-
Perkins spread the ball around, with seven different players recording a catch.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Mangione handed arriving officers a fake New Jersey ID that was used at the New York City hostel days earlier and was subsequently arrested.—
Christopher Cann,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2025
-
Start today and use coupon code EARLYBIRD for an introductory discount of 30% off $67 (+taxes and fees) through May 13, 2025.—
Ryan Ermey,
CNBC,
25 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
In his first 100 days, President Donald Trump exerted his power in a manner and on a scale that has no easy historical comparison.—
Baltimore Sun staff,
Baltimore Sun,
28 Apr. 2025
-
Whatever the place or situation, the old life has to exert a pull on the leaver or the leaving means little.—
Greg Evans,
Deadline,
27 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The ethics office can issue recommendations but has no authority to enforce financial divestment or prosecute conflicts involving a sitting president.—
MacKenzie Sigalos,Ari Levy,
CNBC,
25 Apr. 2025
-
Last week, a federal judge declined to further enforce his order instructing the White House to restore AP's access after agreeing with the government that its new policy does not necessarily discriminate against the news service.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The recall pertains to certain four-packs of Martinelli's 10-ounce round glass apple juice bottles sold across 28 states.—
Andrea Margolis,
FOXNews.com,
25 Apr. 2025
-
Charges pertaining to the fourth victim, Maureen Brainard-Barnes, were brought in January of this year.—
Daniel Kreps,
Rolling Stone,
23 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Haack has also moved on with boyfriend Christopher Larocca, CEO and president of Network Connex, and has been giving her followers a look at their relationship on social media.—
Ashley Hume,
FOXNews.com,
4 May 2025
-
While disruptive to e-commerce, the end of de minimis treatment of Chinese goods could give a boost to retailers less reliant on e-commerce or on Chinese manufacturing.—
Helen Reid,
USA Today,
4 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Apply.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apply. Accessed 8 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share