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
Think of this as the first step in your makeup routine; just remember to apply moisturizer and sunscreen first.
—
Kiana Murden, Vogue, 8 Apr. 2025
Successfully applying past practices to today’s challenges requires learning about the cultures that put those tools to work effectively for so long, so long ago.
—Ari Caramanica, The Conversation, 8 Apr. 2025
But at the same time, all nine justices agreed that Venezuelan nationals facing deportation under the Act have a right to contest in a federal court whether the law, traditionally invoked during wartime, applies to them.
—Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 8 Apr. 2025
The fashion house’s artisans began experimenting with the material—which is extremely lightweight, strong, and pliable—and eventually created handles out of them by gently bending the stalks with fire and then applying many coats of lacquer.
—Diana Budds, Architectural Digest, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for apply
Kiana Murden, Vogue, 8 Apr. 2025
Successfully applying past practices to today’s challenges requires learning about the cultures that put those tools to work effectively for so long, so long ago.
—Ari Caramanica, The Conversation, 8 Apr. 2025
But at the same time, all nine justices agreed that Venezuelan nationals facing deportation under the Act have a right to contest in a federal court whether the law, traditionally invoked during wartime, applies to them.
—Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 8 Apr. 2025
The fashion house’s artisans began experimenting with the material—which is extremely lightweight, strong, and pliable—and eventually created handles out of them by gently bending the stalks with fire and then applying many coats of lacquer.
—Diana Budds, Architectural Digest, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for apply
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apply
Verb
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Duke has an institutional climate commitment too, efforts include having over 300 climate and sustainability related classes and $3.7 million awarded in seed grants for research on climate.—
Claire Poole,
Forbes.com,
6 Apr. 2025
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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.—
Ars Technica,
Ars Technica,
23 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Resist the toxic kind of purpose There is a relentless pressure to devote our energy to big P Purpose.—
Dr. Jordan Grumet, Contributor,
CNBC,
4 Apr. 2025
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He was recently baptized and now devotes much of his platform to his newfound Christian faith.—
Lily Ford,
HollywoodReporter,
4 Apr. 2025
Verb
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According to the Mayo Clinic, hot flashes are a sudden feeling of warmth that spreads throughout the upper body, often affecting the face, chest, and neck.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
2 Apr. 2025
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Crushed pistachios, slivered almonds and two blackberries spread over a silky custard awash with sweet, nutty flavor.—
Benjy Egel,
Sacbee.com,
2 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Booker, who appeared to have nothing more than two glasses of water and notes on his lectern, skillfully used the rules to his advantage, permitting colleagues to ask questions to give himself brief moments of rest while still maintaining control of the floor.—
Nik Popli,
Time,
2 Apr. 2025
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Those methods typically used by scalpers and bots, included purchasing more than four tickets per household, per show, and using multiple identities to buy up tickets.—
Gil Kaufman,
Billboard,
1 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Steadily, Emery’s side exerted control and after Simon Adingra had a goal ruled out for handball, Villa seized the initiative.—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
3 Apr. 2025
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This neglect has opened the door for China and Russia to exert increasing influence across the Western Hemisphere.—
MATIAS SPEKTOR,
Foreign Affairs,
1 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The history of sanctions suggests that there is often great confusion as to what and who is sanctioned and what, if any, legal authority the U.S. has to enforce the sanctions on foreign actors.—
Michael Lynch,
Forbes.com,
2 Apr. 2025
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Read more: Does FHP have the resources to enforce immigration law?—
Ana Ceballos,
Miami Herald,
2 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The refusal, which marked the first such rejection in 81 years, pertained to a special request from Mexico for the transfer of additional Colorado River water to the city of Tijuana.—
Sharon Udasin,
The Hill,
29 Mar. 2025
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However, Bullock also emphasized that the question should be more about whether one partner is withholding information and refusing to share access to something that pertains to the relationship.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
21 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Delegating is about giving your employees a time to learn, to grow, to shine and to expand while also helping to lighten your load and achieve organizational goals.—
Terina Allen,
Forbes.com,
29 Mar. 2025
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Both the city’s ad hoc committee on the 2028 Olympic Games and the full council gave its approval this week to several venue changes, including shifting equestrian events from the Valley to Temecula.—
Dakota Smith,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Apply.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apply. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.
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