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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to spread

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

as in to exert

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 But how does that apply when the dressing room is, at least part of the time, off limits? — Keith Phipps, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2026 Her district is one of more than 96,000 across the country that apply each year for discounts on broadband service through a federal program called E-Rate. — Linda Jacobson, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026 To qualify for disability insurance, a person needs to go to a doctor, explain their health condition, get a diagnosis, have the physician fill out a form, fill out some forms themselves, take the documents to a Social Security office, and apply. — Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 2026 Your credit score won't affect your interest rate when applying for federal Direct Subsidized or Unsubsidized student loans. — Deane Biermeier, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for apply

Recent Examples of Synonyms for apply

Verb

The process can involve repairs across propulsion, electrical and combat-related systems.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2026
Gennaro Tomma is a freelance journalist who covers science, with a focus on the natural world, biodiversity, conservation, climate change, environmental and science-related policies, and more.

— Gennaro Tomma, Scientific American, 25 Aug. 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

Researchers have developed a new vision algorithm that lets humanoid robots perceive depth more like humans, using two forward-facing eyes.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 27 Aug. 2026
Earlier this month, The Financial Times appended a note to a guest column after readers questioned whether it was written using AI.

— Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 27 Aug. 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

One search of a home associated with Davis turned up mail pertaining to the Excalibur Hotel in Las Vegas for Orlando Anderson — Davis’ cousin and fellow Southside Crip was a person of interest in Shakur’s killing, Ladd testified, and was detained.

— Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
But technically, there is no rule pertaining to a player going from an SEC school to the NFL, and then back to another conference program within the same year.

— Trey Wallace OutKick, FOXNews.com, 24 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