apply
verb
ap·ply ə-ˈplī 
applied; applying
transitive verb
1
a
: to put to use especially for some practical purpose
He applies pressure to get what he wants.
b
: to bring into action
apply the brakes
c
: to lay or spread on
apply varnish
d
: to put into operation or effect
apply a law
2
: to employ diligently or with close attention
You should apply yourself to your work.
intransitive verb
1
: to have relevance or a valid connection
This rule applies to freshmen only.
2
: to make an appeal or request especially in the form of a written application
apply for a job
applier
ə-ˈplī(-ə)r
noun 
Synonyms
- appertain
- bear
- pertain
- refer
- relate
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
For further information, apply to the address below. I applied in writing to several different companies. You must have a high school diploma for this job. High school dropouts need not apply. After applying a thin layer of paint to the wall and letting it dry, apply another coat. We applied the ointment to the cut. I washed my face and applied fresh makeup. Fertilizer was applied to the lawn every two weeks. See More
Recent Examples on the Web Meal applications are not required; however, families may still apply in order to receive other benefits. 
Laura Groch, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Sep. 2022 Certain exclusions would also still apply, such as employees who work in building and construction trades, federal contractors and employees who receive federal funding, as well as federal licensees who are required to maintain drug-free workplaces. Melissa Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2022 Note that manufacturer caps still apply for this year. Ashlea Ebeling, WSJ, 22 Aug. 2022 Some masking and isolation rules still apply depending on whether staff and students test positive. Sahar Fatima, BostonGlobe.com, 15 Aug. 2022 With the change, a vaccination requirement will still apply for all guests 12 and older. CNN, 15 Aug. 2022 Also, only repeat customers, who have already climbed the purchasing ladder, need apply. Carol Besler, Robb Report, 10 Aug. 2022 Still, building codes apply primarily to new construction, and there is not much of that these days. New York Times, 4 Aug. 2022 If your flight is one of them, the current rules still apply. Ian Duncan, Washington Post, 4 Aug. 2022 See More
Laura Groch, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Sep. 2022 Certain exclusions would also still apply, such as employees who work in building and construction trades, federal contractors and employees who receive federal funding, as well as federal licensees who are required to maintain drug-free workplaces. Melissa Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2022 Note that manufacturer caps still apply for this year. Ashlea Ebeling, WSJ, 22 Aug. 2022 Some masking and isolation rules still apply depending on whether staff and students test positive. Sahar Fatima, BostonGlobe.com, 15 Aug. 2022 With the change, a vaccination requirement will still apply for all guests 12 and older. CNN, 15 Aug. 2022 Also, only repeat customers, who have already climbed the purchasing ladder, need apply. Carol Besler, Robb Report, 10 Aug. 2022 Still, building codes apply primarily to new construction, and there is not much of that these days. New York Times, 4 Aug. 2022 If your flight is one of them, the current rules still apply. Ian Duncan, Washington Post, 4 Aug. 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
Middle English aplien, applien "to join, combine, use for a certain purpose, put to use (an expression, word), strive (to do something)," borrowed from Anglo-French aplier, applier "to put to use or operation, attach to oneself, conform, bend" (continental Middle French apploier, applier "to employ, put to use"), going back to Latin applicāre "to bring into contact (with), situate near, bring to bear (on), make applicable or relevant (to)," from ap- ap- entry 1 + -plicāre "to fold, bend" — more at ply entry 3
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a
Phrases Containing apply
Kids Definition
apply
verb
ap·ply ə-ˈplī
applied; applying
1
: to request especially in writing
apply for a job
2
: to lay or spread on
apply a coat of paint
3
: to place in contact
apply heat
4
: to have relation or a connection
This law applies to everyone.
5
: to put to use
I applied my knowledge.
6
: to give full attention
I applied myself to my work.
Medical Definition
apply
transitive verb
ap·ply ə-ˈplī
applied; applying
: to lay or spread on
apply antiseptic to a cut
apply
verb
1
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
- relate
- pertain
- refer
- involve
- affect
- connect
- appertain
- touch
- bear
- associate
- interest
- have to do with
- treat
- link
- tie in
- concern
- interrelate
- couple
- deal (with)
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
- devote
- give
- commit
- address
- get cracking
- reapply
- bend
- work
- buckle
- turn a hand
- spend
- turn one's hand
- get with it
- get one's act together
- engage
- readdress
- involve
- exert
- wear out
- tax
- knuckle down
- carry on
- put out
- settle (down)
- concern
- set (to)
- busy
- trouble
- pitch in
- stress
- exhaust
- plow
- grind
- strain
- hump
- hustle
- plunge (in)
- plod
- peg (away)
- plug (away)
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- play
- fool around
- dawdle
- fiddle (around)
- idle
- trifle
- putter (around)
- mess around
- monkey (around)
- potter (around)
- dally
- dillydally
3
as in to spread
to put a layer of on a surface apply the ointment liberally Synonyms & Similar Words
- spread
- smear
- lay
- lay on
- cover
- coat
- dab
- slather
- daub
- plaster
- bedaub
- layer
- anoint
- sheet
- surface
- overlay
- besmear
- carpet
- blanket
- overlie
- mantle
- overspread
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- expose
- uncover
- strip
- peel
- bare
4
as in to use
to put into action or service apply the laws of motion to this physics problem Synonyms & Similar Words
- use
- utilize
- employ
- exploit
- operate
- harness
- exercise
- draw on
- draw upon
- handle
- wield
- manipulate
- work
- bring to bear
- make use of
- direct
- reuse
- run
- recycle
- cannibalize
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- ignore
- neglect
- misapply
- misuse
5
as in to exert
to bring to bear especially forcefully or effectively apply pressure to the area to stop the bleeding Synonyms & Similar Words
- exert
- use
- wield
- employ
- utilize
- ply
- exercise
- put out
- misapply
- misuse
- abuse
6
as in to enforce
to carry out effectively a police officer applying the law Synonyms & Similar Words
- enforce
- implement
- execute
- administer
- effect
- invoke
- enact
- fulfill
- effectuate
- render
- fulfil
- cite
- legislate
- uphold
- bring about
- prosecute
- promulgate
- observe
- honor
- discharge
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- ignore
- disregard
- neglect