An apply synonym must fit one of five quite different meanings. You apply for a job (request, put in for), apply a rule or skill (use, employ, implement), a rule applies to you (pertains to, covers), you apply cream (spread, rub in) and you apply yourself to study (focus).
The preposition is usually the clue. Apply for points to a request, apply to points to relevance, and apply with no preposition often means use. Spot the meaning first; the group follows.
Swatch at a glance
Best swaps
use, employ, implement, request, relate toPart of speech
VerbMost formal
utilize, petition, pertain toMost casual
go for, put in for, useWatch out
Apply for (request) and apply to (send to, or be relevant to) are not the same. You apply for a job, to a company.Word forms covered
applies, applied, applying, applicationAntonyms
withdraw, disregard, remove
Apply synonym table for each sense
| Use of apply | Swaps | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Formally ask | request, put in for, seek | She put in for a transfer. |
| Use a method | use, employ, implement | We employed a new filing system. |
| Be relevant | pertain to, cover, concern | The rule covers all staff. |
| Put on skin or a surface | spread, rub in, coat | Coat the pan with a little oil. |
| Work hard at | focus, knuckle down, devote yourself | He knuckled down before exams. |
Rough to polished: the use scale
The chips show swaps for the use sense, from relaxed to formal. Use is plain and always safe. Put into practice stresses moving from theory to action. Employ sounds a little more educated. Implement fits plans, systems and policies. Utilize is the most formal, and many editors cut it back to use, so save it for technical writing where it means putting something to a practical purpose.
Real sentences, before and after
- I applied for the scholarship becomes I submitted an application for the scholarship.
- Apply what you learned becomes put what you learned into practice.
- This discount applies to members becomes this discount is open to members.
- The law applies to everyone becomes the law covers everyone.
- Apply the paint thinly becomes spread the paint thinly.
- She applied herself to the task becomes she devoted herself to the task.
Synonyms for applied and applying
For applied in the past tense, use requested, sought, put in for, used, employed or implemented, depending on sense. Cover letters often open with I am applying for the role, which can become I am writing to express interest in the role, or I would like to be considered for the role.
Resume bullet: "Applied new safety rules across the site." Stronger: "Implemented new safety rules across three sites, cutting incidents by half." Implemented signals ownership, while the figure proves impact. Similar verbs for job hunting appear under resume and work words.
Prepositions that change the meaning
Apply for a job, a visa, a grant. Apply to a school or employer when you send the application there, and also when something is relevant: the rule applies to you. Apply on a surface is rare; most people say apply to the skin. Apply oneself to means put effort into. If a swap needs a different preposition, change it too: request a visa (no for), concern you (no to).
When it should not be applied
Opposites depend on sense. If you no longer want a job, you withdraw your application. If a rule is not used, it is waived or disregarded. If cream comes off, you wipe it off or remove it. A student who will not apply themselves neglects their work.
- The fee was waived for new members.
- He withdrew from the race in June.
Frequently asked questions
Which formal verbs can stand in for apply?
For the request sense, submit an application or petition. For the use sense, employ or implement. For relevance, pertain to.
Which resume verbs beat applied?
Implemented, used, introduced and put into practice all work. Choose the verb closest to your actual task, then add a number.
How else can I phrase applies to?
Relates to, covers, concerns and pertains to. Pertains to belongs in contracts, policies and handbooks.
Is utilize better than apply?
Not usually. Utilize is formal and can sound stiff. Use or employ reads more clearly in most sentences.
When you take back or skip an application, which verbs fit?
Withdraw for applications, disregard or waive for rules, and remove for something put on a surface.
What does apply yourself mean?
It means work hard and give something your full attention. Focus, knuckle down and devote yourself are good swaps.