Synonyms

apply

American

[uh-plahy] / əˈplaɪ /

verb (used with object)

to make use of as relevant, suitable, or pertinent.

to apply a theory to a problem.
to put to use, especially for a particular purpose.

to apply pressure to open a door.
to bring into action; use; employ.

He applied the brakes and skidded to a stop.

Synonyms:

utilize
to use a label or other designation.

Don't apply any such term to me.
to use for or assign to a specific purpose.

He applied a portion of his salary each week to savings.

Synonyms:

dedicate, assign, allot, appropriate
to put into effect.

They applied the rules to new members only.
to devote or employ diligently or with close attention.

to apply one's mind to a problem;
to apply oneself to a task.
to place in contact with; lay or spread on.

to apply paint to a wall;
to apply a bandage to a wound.
to bring into physical contact with or close proximity to.

to apply a match to gunpowder.
to credit to, as an account.

to apply $10 to his account at the store.

verb (used without object)

to be pertinent, suitable, or relevant.

The argument applies to the case.
The theory doesn't apply.
to make an application or request; ask.

to apply for a job;
to apply for a raise.

Synonyms:

entreat, sue, petition
to lay or spread on.

The plastic coating is easy to apply on any surface.
to be placed or remain in contact.

This paint doesn't apply very easily.

apply British

/ əˈplaɪ /

verb

(tr) to put to practical use; utilize; employ
(intr) to be relevant, useful, or appropriate
(tr) to cause to come into contact with; put onto
to put in an application or request
to devote (oneself, one's efforts) with diligence
(tr) to bring into operation or use

the police only applied the law to aliens
(tr) to refer (a word, epithet, etc) to a person or thing

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

Inflected Forms

Participles

Conjugated Forms

Present

Past

Future

Etymology

Origin of apply

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English ap(p)lien, from Anglo-French, Old French ap(p)lier, from Latin applicāre, equivalent to ap- ap- ¹ ( def. ) + plicāre “to fold”; see ply ² ( def. )

Explanation

Apply means to put on a surface, like to apply makeup to your face before work. Apply also means to ask in a formal way. Long before you applied the makeup, you had to apply for the job. You can apply the word apply to many situations, including when you make use of something — like when you apply the brakes on a car. Apply also means to really put effort into a task, like to apply yourself to learning Greek or reaching the next level on your favorite video game. But then again, maybe those examples don’t apply.

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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 document claimed that "a front wheel lifted and because on the claimant's instruction the presenter continued to apply power the Morgan turned over".

From BBC • Jul. 12, 2026

So far, he has applied to approximately 250 jobs, and continues to apply selectively.

From MarketWatch • Jul. 11, 2026

She still urges friends and cousins to apply for MTA jobs because of the benefits.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 10, 2026

“Time waits for no one,” as the Stones once sang, but apparently that doesn’t apply to the “World’s Greatest Rock and Roll Band.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 10, 2026

The raps directed him to apply at Rochester’s railroad office, though there were no jobs available.

From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023