APPLY Synonyms: 142 Similar and Opposite Words

apply

verb

ə-ˈplī

Definition of apply

as in to relate

to have a relation or connection does your rule about calling home apply to me as well?

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to spread

to put a layer of on a surface apply the ointment liberally

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as in to use

to put into action or service apply the laws of motion to this physics problem

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as in to exert

to bring to bear especially forcefully or effectively apply pressure to the area to stop the bleeding

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as in to enforce

to carry out effectively a police officer applying the law

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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 Higher interest rates lead to higher discount rates applied to future earnings and cash flows, resulting in lower P/Es. — Jeff Marks, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026 To test whether this applies to quantum objects too, the scientists needed to carry out the same experiment on a quantum object. — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 2 Sep. 2026 According to a message sent to clients, a 30 percent fee, up from the previous 28 percent, will apply to bids of £25,000 ($33,700) or less, taking place after October 1. — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 2 Sep. 2026 The tax will apply to parcels within the school district, which covers much of the city of Sacramento south of the American River and stretches east into Rancho Cordova. — Chaewon Chung, Sacbee.com, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for apply

Recent Examples of Synonyms for apply

Verb

Neiman speculates that polyploidy and the snail’s unusual reproductive strategies are related.

— Carrie Arnold Contributing, Quanta Magazine, 2 Sep. 2026
Though theories implicated everyone from rival rapper Biggie Smalls to Knight’s wife Sharitha — neither of whom was ever charged in connection with the murder — investigators long suspected the killing was gang-related.

— Lynsey Eidell, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of relate

Verb

In the later years of her life, Eastman settled in Montana and devoted herself to animal advocacy.

— Tanya Fedak, Variety, 27 Aug. 2026
In order to keep playing shows these past few years, Frampton has devoted himself to an intensive workout regime that minimizes the impact of IBM.

— Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of devote

Verb

Mellencamp, 45, was initially diagnosed with melanoma that spread.

— Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Aug. 2026
But the war’s unintended consequences have spread far beyond the Middle East, affecting global security, diminishing America’s global standing, and potentially providing its adversaries with an opportunity to expand their influence.

— Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of spread

Verb

Operators can also continue using diesel when hydrogen supplies are unavailable.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2026
Razorbill brings that experience to one of the industry's most recognizable blade profiles, using extensive CNC machining to make geometry itself part of both the product's performance and its appearance.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of use

Verb

Heat cramps typically occur after exerting yourself in the heat and sweating a lot.

— Dale Denwalt, Oklahoman, 29 Aug. 2026
According to the sheriff's office, Awais used his property-management companies and his relationships with association board members to exert control over the organizations' operations and finances.

— Chelsea Jones, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of exert

Verb

In many northern states, the laws being applied in Islamic courts are enforced by Hisbah.

— ABC News, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026
The administration is appealing a June ruling by a lower court that the ban probably violated the troops’ constitutional rights and cannot be enforced against those currently serving while the litigation continues.

— Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of enforce

Verb

While sections pertaining to the house itself are both gripping and eerie (rooms flood, tiles rearrange, visions flicker), the real terror comes from human history.

— Bethanne Patrick, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026
To successfully integrate these returnees, Damascus must empower governorates and municipalities with the resources and autonomy to solve problems pertaining to service delivery, job creation, and education in real time.

— Jesse Marks, Foreign Affairs, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of pertain

Verb

Suggest the plan, capture the takeaways, and give everyone one clear action.

— Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Aug. 2026
Utilizing quick, short passes, Hayes completed 14 of his first 16 attempts, including a 26-yard touchdown strike to sophomore tight end Ian Figi that gave Naperville Central a 14-0 lead.

— Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026