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.

See Examples For:

apply applies applied applying

Many of the classic benefits of homeownership still apply as well.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 2, 2026

In July, Lefevre's office said the levy would not apply to retailers such as H&M or Zara, prompting some to say that the measure appeared to spare European companies.

From BBC ● Sep. 1, 2026

The bill would apply to Boyle Heights in the short term and would go into effect statewide July 1, 2028.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 1, 2026

Some American Express Platinum cardholders had found ways to apply a $200 airline credit intended only for incidentals like checked bags, Wi-Fi and in-flight meals to flights.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 31, 2026

However, in American tournaments, where hotel ballrooms are rented and contracted for a specified period and players have made arrangements for flights home, it’s necessary to apply a tie-breaking system to determine the winner.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady

If the person also has a large pretax SEP IRA, however, the pro-rata rule applies.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 2, 2026

It is one moment, but James applies every tool he has as a super maximalist to it.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 1, 2026

“S32 said current dividend policy with 40% payout ratio applies until completion” of the aluminum-business sale, the bank notes.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 27, 2026

This applies only to the A.I.-generated search results summary and not to chatbots, which are inclined to give users the answers they want.

From Slate ● Aug. 26, 2026

And by another treaty, if you're not in any country's territory, maritime law applies.

From "The Martian" by Andy Weir

Multiple exemptions have been applied in recent months in response to a backlash from the public and opposition politicians.

From BBC ● Sep. 1, 2026

As the lithosphere is pulled apart, it can behave differently depending on how quickly and where the stress is applied.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 1, 2026

California offers tax credits of up to 35% on qualified expenses, which can be applied to any tax liabilities the production companies have in the state.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 1, 2026

The same principle should be applied more broadly: Trusted allies capable of protecting sensitive technology should be treated as participants in a common industrial base, rather than as foreign customers.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 30, 2026

I remember when I first met with her after I applied for my job.

From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse

I implore you to encourage her to keep her options open about applying in the United States, as there are more financial aid options.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 31, 2026

There is something appealing about applying this same approach to the biological clock.

From Slate ● Aug. 29, 2026

I found myself more carefully applying makeup in my hotel room before prancing down to the hotel bar.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 28, 2026

Instead of suiting up for the Buckeyes, he settled for applying to be a student assistant.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 27, 2026

“Why are you applying to Brightwood when you want to go to Prism?”

From "Starfish" by Akemi Dawn Bowman

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