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.
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Recent Examples of apply
Women living in Mexico City between the ages of 22 and 40 can apply now through July 1, by visiting the foundation’s website.
—
Jessica Roiz, Billboard, 7 June 2025
This applies if there are two or more people present at the event.
—Alecia Taylor, Kansas City Star, 7 June 2025
For instance, in Washington and Oregon, similar rules apply, while some states restrict this maneuver more heavily or require explicit signage allowing it.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 7 June 2025
The same applies to the other numbers noted in the study, 6835, 7637, 8093, and 9629.
—Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for apply
Jessica Roiz, Billboard, 7 June 2025
This applies if there are two or more people present at the event.
—Alecia Taylor, Kansas City Star, 7 June 2025
For instance, in Washington and Oregon, similar rules apply, while some states restrict this maneuver more heavily or require explicit signage allowing it.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 7 June 2025
The same applies to the other numbers noted in the study, 6835, 7637, 8093, and 9629.
—Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for apply
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apply
Verb
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Although Jaylin and Jalen Williams are not related, Jalen does have a brother in the NBA.—
Caroline Blair,
People.com,
5 June 2025
-
Investigators suspected the two killings were related but ran out of leads and the cases went cold.—
Marc Ramirez,
USA Today,
13 May 2025
Verb
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However, manufacturers should devote similar attention to their return on data.—
Simon Dae Oong Kim,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
-
As one of vanishingly few Palestinian American voices in Hollywood, Amer might have devoted what would, unfortunately, be his show’s final season to current events.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
3 June 2025
Verb
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Others will spread into a shrub-like habit unless pruned.—
Heather Bien,
Southern Living,
13 June 2025
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Wen: Salmonella most often spreads to people through contaminated food.—
Katia Hetter,
CNN Money,
13 June 2025
Verb
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On Wednesday, police in Seattle used pepper spray to clear out protesters, and officers in Denver used smoke and pepper balls to control a crowd.—
Krysta Fauria,
Chicago Tribune,
13 June 2025
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Shein may be using a partnership to bring goods made in India to its global consumers.—
Meghan Hall,
Sourcing Journal,
12 June 2025
Verb
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LLMs and foundation models require GPU clusters that exert pressures very different from conventional data center workloads.—
Piyush Jain,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2025
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As Madigan so skillfully proved over his decades in power, caucus leaders exert immense influence over members by doling out funds in their campaign war chests, bankrolled by those special interests.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
11 June 2025
Verb
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Authorities warn of new DMV scam texts Texas governor signs law to enforce age verification on Apple, Google app stores Other new updates coming to Instagram soon The ability to rearrange profile grids isn't the only new feature coming to the social media app.—
Greta Cross,
USA Today,
13 June 2025
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But the rules weren’t strictly enforced and those designations were watered down.—
Leslie Kelly,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2025
Verb
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From adding a dynamic weapon like George Pickens into the fold to keeping the curtains up on what exactly the offense will look like under first-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer, Prescott delved into a variety of topics pertaining to the upcoming season.—
Nick Harris,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
12 June 2025
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Zahn’s Garrity statement, pertaining to statements given under immunity during an internal investigation, was used in his prosecution.—
Walter Pavlo,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2025
Verb
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This team has given me the opportunity to be reborn as a footballer and as a person.—
David Ferrini,
Forbes.com,
8 June 2025
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Adding Ángeles Cruz also seemed natural to give Sira a voice.—
Callum McLennan,
Variety,
8 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Apply.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apply. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.
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