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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
6
as in to enforce
to carry out effectively
a police officer applying the law
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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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California needs to devote more money to rooftop solar, not less.—
Sammy Roth,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Apr. 2025
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Brown devoted Wednesdays to mobility and conditioning after years of just incorporating it into his daily workouts.—
Chandler Rome,
New York Times,
10 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The feeder didn't keep it cold enough to spread the meals out and the wet food was not at a safe eating temperature.—
Molly Higgins,
Wired News,
14 Apr. 2025
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Ultimately, a total of 59 bodies were shipped home for burial, while another 150 were buried in Halifax, spread among three cemeteries.—
Greg Daugherty,
Smithsonian Magazine,
14 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Prosecutors said Mahdi constantly used brutality to solve his problems.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
11 Apr. 2025
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The team used surrogate dogs -- since adopted through the humane society -- to help give birth to the dire wolves, which are white.—
Mary Kekatos,
ABC News,
11 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Education is another sector where government funding exerts significant influence, as the Trump Administration is now demonstrating.—
John Cassidy,
New Yorker,
14 Apr. 2025
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Upon his release from the hospital, the pope was told to rest for at least two months, not to exert himself and to avoid meeting with crowds of people.—
Phaedra Trethan,
USA Today,
6 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The agency is responsible for policy and programs that address the nation’s housing needs and enforce fair housing laws.—
Julia Mueller,
The Hill,
14 Apr. 2025
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The bill’s sponsors said it was intended to prevent future mass shootings and enforce the state’s existing prohibition on high-capacity magazines.—
The Denver Post,
Denver Post,
12 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Two lawmakers used the practice in 2003 during a vote pertaining to Medicare, according to the Congressional Research Service.—
Mychael Schnell,
The Hill,
6 Apr. 2025
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The actual letter wasn’t disclosed, with the city again asserting that the records pertained to personnel matters.—
Alex Brizee,
Idaho Statesman,
2 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Plenty even gave me their own kitty stories too.—
Ron Estes,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2025
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But state lawmakers have been looking for ways to give citizens and communities more of a voice in the decisions, and are focusing efforts this spring on Senate Bill 78.—
Don Stacom,
Hartford Courant,
31 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Apply.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apply. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.
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