Have you ever filled out a form for a job or college? You probably said, “I will apply for this job.” The word apply is very common in English.
Synonyms of apply are words that have a similar meaning, such as use, request, or put on. For example, someone may apply for a job, apply cream on skin, or apply a rule.
Learning synonyms of apply helps students, bloggers, content writers, and daily English users improve their vocabulary. It also helps avoid repeating the same word again and again in writing.
Let’s explore simple synonyms of apply with easy meanings and examples.
Use
Meaning: To take something to do a task.
Examples:
I use this pen daily.
She uses a laptop for work.
Employ
Meaning: To use something for a purpose.
Examples:
They employ new methods.
He employs smart ideas.
Utilize
Meaning: To make practical use of something.
Examples:
We utilize this tool.
She utilizes her skills.
Put On
Meaning: To place something on a surface.
Examples:
She put on lotion.
He put on sunscreen.
Request
Meaning: To ask for something politely.
Examples:
He requested leave.
She requested help.
Seek
Meaning: To try to get something.
Examples:
She seeks a job.
They seek advice.
Ask For
Meaning: To request something.
Examples:
He asked for help.
She asked for permission.
Submit
Meaning: To send something officially.
Examples:
He submitted the form.
She submitted her application.
Present
Meaning: To give something formally.
Examples:
He presented the report.
She presented the idea.
Offer
Meaning: To give something for use.
Examples:
She offered help.
He offered support.
Put
Meaning: To place something somewhere.
Examples:
Put the book here.
She put cream on her hand.
Place
Meaning: To set something in position.
Examples:
He placed the file on desk.
She placed flowers on the table.
Spread
Meaning: To cover a surface.
Examples:
She spread butter on bread.
He spread paint on the wall.
Rub
Meaning: To move something over a surface.
Examples:
She rubbed lotion on skin.
He rubbed oil on hair.
Attach
Meaning: To connect something.
Examples:
Attach the file.
She attached the document.
Fix
Meaning: To set something in place.
Examples:
He fixed the poster.
She fixed the label.
Assign
Meaning: To give a task.
Examples:
The teacher assigned homework.
The manager assigned duties.
Implement
Meaning: To put a plan into action.
Examples:
They implemented new rules.
The school implemented changes.
Enforce
Meaning: To make rules active.
Examples:
Police enforce laws.
Teachers enforce rules.
Practice
Meaning: To use a skill often.
Examples:
She practices English.
He practices piano.
Perform
Meaning: To carry out an action.
Examples:
He performed the task.
She performed the duty.
Operate
Meaning: To control or run something.
Examples:
He operates the machine.
She operates the system.
Handle
Meaning: To deal with something.
Examples:
He handles the work.
She handles customers.
Deal With
Meaning: To manage a situation.
Examples:
He deals with problems.
She deals with clients.
Manage
Meaning: To control or run something.
Examples:
She manages the office.
He manages the team.
Conduct
Meaning: To carry out an activity.
Examples:
They conducted research.
She conducted the meeting.
Execute
Meaning: To complete a plan.
Examples:
He executed the plan.
She executed the project.
Carry Out
Meaning: To perform a task.
Examples:
They carried out the work.
He carried out orders.
Follow
Meaning: To act according to rules.
Examples:
Follow the instructions.
Students follow rules.
Observe
Meaning: To follow carefully.
Examples:
Observe the rules.
Drivers observe traffic signs.
Obey
Meaning: To follow commands.
Examples:
Children obey parents.
Citizens obey laws.
Administer
Meaning: To manage or give something.
Examples:
Doctors administer medicine.
He administers the program.
Apply For
Meaning: To request something formally.
Examples:
She applied for a job.
He applied for a visa.
File
Meaning: To submit official documents.
Examples:
He filed a complaint.
She filed a report.
Lodge
Meaning: To submit officially.
Examples:
He lodged a request.
She lodged a complaint.
Spread On
Meaning: To put over a surface.
Examples:
Spread cream on skin.
Spread sauce on bread.
Lay On
Meaning: To place something gently.
Examples:
Lay the cloth on table.
She laid cream on skin.
Put Into Action
Meaning: To start using a plan.
Examples:
They put the plan into action.
She put the idea into action.
Activate
Meaning: To start something.
Examples:
Activate the system.
He activated the device.
Initiate
Meaning: To begin something.
Examples:
They initiated a program.
She initiated change.
Begin
Meaning: To start something.
Examples:
He began the task.
She began the project.
Start
Meaning: To begin an action.
Examples:
Start the machine.
She started the work.
Use Up
Meaning: To use completely.
Examples:
He used up the paint.
She used up the paper.
Put to Use
Meaning: To use something practically.
Examples:
He put his skills to use.
She put the tool to use.
Utilize Fully
Meaning: To use completely.
Examples:
They utilized resources fully.
She utilized her talent.
Make Use Of
Meaning: To use something.
Examples:
He made use of time.
She made use of tools.
Bring Into Use
Meaning: To start using something.
Examples:
They brought the machine into use.
She brought the idea into use.
Turn To
Meaning: To use something for help.
Examples:
He turned to books.
She turned to friends.
Resort To
Meaning: To use something in need.
Examples:
He resorted to help.
She resorted to advice.
Call Upon
Meaning: To request help or action.
Examples:
He called upon friends.
She called upon experts.
Conclusion
Learning synonyms of apply helps improve writing, blogging, speaking, and communication. These words allow you to express actions like using, requesting, or putting something into practice in different ways. Practice these synonyms in emails, essays, and daily conversations to grow your vocabulary and make your English clearer and more natural.


