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Definitions

apply

[uh-plahy] / əˈplaɪ /
VERB
put into use
Synonyms
STRONGEST
administer employ exercise handle implement practice
STRONG
assign engage execute exploit utilize
WEAK
bring into play bring to bear
Antonyms
STRONGEST
cease halt ignore mismanage misuse neglect stop
VERB
be appropriate, relevant
Synonyms
STRONGEST
affect connect involve pertain refer relate
STRONG
allude appertain concern fit regard suit touch
WEAK
be applicable be pertinent bear upon
VERB
put substance on another
Synonyms
STRONGEST
administer cover spread
STRONG
affix anoint bestow fasten join massage paint place rub smear touch
WEAK
lay on put on
Antonyms
STRONG
detach loosen
VERB
ask, request
Synonyms
STRONGEST
appeal claim demand
STRONG
inquire petition requisition solicit sue
WEAK
put in put in for
Antonyms
STRONGEST
deny disclaim
STRONG
answer
VERB
work hard
Synonyms
STRONGEST
address commit devote give study try
STRONG
bend concentrate dedicate dig direct grind hustle persevere plug scratch sweat throw turn
WEAK
be diligent be industrious bear down buckle down give all one's got give best shot give old college try hammer away hit the ball knuckle down make effort peg away pour it on pull out all stops
Antonyms
STRONGEST
ignore keep

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The nation of three million people bordering Iran and Turkey passed a law last year formally declaring its intention to apply for EU membership.

From Barron's • May 7, 2026

Fewer people are losing their jobs, so fewer need to apply for unemployment benefits.

From MarketWatch • May 7, 2026

But told the board that that didn't apply to the majority of officers.

From BBC • May 7, 2026

Voters in England whose ID is lost or stolen can apply for an emergency proxy vote up until 17:00 on polling day.

From BBC • May 5, 2026

Aristotelians therefore recognize that, in the sublunary sphere, there are no regularities which do not have exceptions; in the supralunary sphere, all is regularity without exception; there are no regularities which apply in both spheres.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton

Vocabulary lists containing apply

Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

"Diary of a Wimpy Kid" by Jeff Kinney

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Word Generation Science - Energy

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!