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
Sea buckthorn is available as an oil taken by mouth or a cream applied to the skin.
—
Health, 30 Aug. 2025
With the state removing its tax, many communities throughout Illinois are applying a local version of the tax to maintain the revenue stream, stating that consumers will not see any difference in the checkout line.
—Daniel I. Dorfman, Chicago Tribune, 30 Aug. 2025
DeSantis implied that, with increasing property tax revenue coming into the county, the county was hoarding money in reserves rather than applying it to taxpayer initiatives.
—Josh Salman, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2025
Seth Rubin, formerly VP of Lending Marketing Analytics at Citibank, led transformative efforts in applying AI for pricing optimization and enhancing customer experiences across multiple marketing channels.
—Christer Holloman, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for apply
Health, 30 Aug. 2025
With the state removing its tax, many communities throughout Illinois are applying a local version of the tax to maintain the revenue stream, stating that consumers will not see any difference in the checkout line.
—Daniel I. Dorfman, Chicago Tribune, 30 Aug. 2025
DeSantis implied that, with increasing property tax revenue coming into the county, the county was hoarding money in reserves rather than applying it to taxpayer initiatives.
—Josh Salman, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2025
Seth Rubin, formerly VP of Lending Marketing Analytics at Citibank, led transformative efforts in applying AI for pricing optimization and enhancing customer experiences across multiple marketing channels.
—Christer Holloman, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for apply
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apply
Verb
-
The move may indeed change how publishers and AI platforms relate, and re-inform digital media economics.—
Anisha Sircar,
Forbes.com,
28 Aug. 2025
-
All of this is related in the film’s mesmerizing Grimm-like opening.—
Randy Myers,
Mercury News,
15 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Early economist Adam Smith devoted the last chapter of his famous Wealth of Nations (1776) to the topic of sovereign default.—
Nathan Lewis,
Forbes.com,
29 Aug. 2025
-
Meanwhile, Martin devoted her energy to integrate Park Forest-Chicago Heights School District 163.—
Jerry Shnay,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Things can get worse when the tumors spread inside the body like to the lungs, liver, kidneys and lymph nodes.—
Bruce Y. Lee,
Forbes.com,
24 Aug. 2025
-
Canada and Mexico are each due to host 13 of the 104 World Cup games in a tournament spread across North America, yet Infantino is far more frequently seen rubbing shoulders with Trump than his Canadian or Mexican counterparts.—
Adam Crafton,
New York Times,
23 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
The fire department’s water rescue team immediately started rescue efforts and police used a drone to help with the search, officials said.—
Rebecca Johnson,
Chicago Tribune,
24 Aug. 2025
-
Switch on headlights - Even during daylight hours, using headlights can enhance visibility and signal your presence to other drivers.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
24 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Trump’s takeover of the Kennedy Center — and its signature ceremony — reflect his effort to exert his influence over an array of cultural institutions.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
13 Aug. 2025
-
And exerting their infectious will and influence from the sidelines of an essentially meaningless game.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
10 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
On the hiring front, the money was intended for 10,000 new staff who specifically enforce immigration law within the United States.—
Anna Giaritelli,
The Washington Examiner,
23 Aug. 2025
-
Earlier in May, the agency began enforcing REAL ID at checkpoints, achieving a 94 percent compliance rate and helping to speed up the security screening process.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
The first reason essentially pertains to image and propaganda.—
Joshua Yaffa,
New Yorker,
22 Aug. 2025
-
There has been positive communication on both sides pertaining to Eason’s extension, and the hope is that an agreement can be reached soon.—
Kelly Iko,
New York Times,
22 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Osaka, still in her prime, gave birth in 2023 and returned in 2024.—
Christine Michel Carter,
Forbes.com,
1 Sep. 2025
-
Business outlet TheStreet reported that stores had been given a grace period to implement the change that ends Aug. 31.—
James Powel,
USA Today,
1 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Apply.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apply. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share