✅ To be relevant 📝 To request ⚙️ To use 🎨 To put on 🏷️ To use a term

to apply

263 1.3

Put a substance onto a surface to cover it

verb
/əˈplaɪ/

: aplicar

Before painting the wall, you should apply a primer to ensure better adhesion.
apply directly
apply herbicide
apply to land

And let's just say applying wallpaper is not

Examples

Please don't apply the product directly to your face.

Before I Change My Mind (2024)
You simply apply Laundry Solution to the stains.

Holy Man (1998)
And I just want to apply a little bit.
You apply it, like so.

Welcome to Collinwood (2002)
I'm going to take this and apply a small amount.
It's soft and I'm going to apply that right in this zone.
And I'm going to just apply it on to the highest point.
The next day I'm going to apply this on a cotton round.
See, I'm just going to apply that all over my lips.
I'm going to use a sponge to apply it to my temples.

Synonyms

to paint

vsto apply

854 1.0

To put coloured liquid on a surface to protect or change how it looks

means putting a layer without restricting the material used

to put on

vsto apply

679 1.0

To dress yourself in clothes or wear things like makeup

refers broadly to placing substances on any surface, not only bodies

to spray

vsto apply

209 1.0

To send out small drops of liquid to cover something

covers surfaces by any means, not only by spraying

to coat

vsto apply

105 2.8

To cover something with a thin layer of a substance

is the general act of putting a layer onto a surface

to wax

vsto apply

62 3.8

Cover something with wax to protect and make it shine

is neutral about the substance and the purpose of treatment

to plaster

vsto apply

30 3.8

To cover a surface thickly or stick things all over it

can mean any amount, not necessarily a heavy or complete covering

to wash

vsto apply

Specialized

25 6.8

To cover something with a thin layer of paint or metal

covers the act of placing a layer without implying decorative use

to slick

vsto apply

18 5.0

To make something smooth and shiny by rubbing or adding oil

simply puts a layer on without focusing on making a surface slippery

to spread over

vsto apply

17 3.6

Form a layer across a surface, like fog or icing

is the basic action of putting a layer onto a surface

to surface

vsto apply

15 4.3

To cover something with a new outer layer

is the basic act of putting a layer onto an object

to slather

vsto apply

Informal

15 6.9

Spread a thick layer of a wet thing like sauce or sunscreen on a surface

covers surfaces too but does not require large or thick amounts

to overlay

vsto apply

11 4.2

To cover something with a layer of material

is the general action of putting a layer onto a surface

to slap on

vsto apply

Informal

6 4.5

Put on paint or cream quickly and without care

describes the act without implying speed or lack of care

to brush on

vsto apply

1 3.8

To put a liquid or soft substance on a surface with a brush

uses any method, not only a brush, to place a layer

to stick on

vsto apply

1 3.8

Put on a thick layer of something like paint or makeup

covers placing any thickness, not only heavy or thick layers

to recoat

vsto apply

1 3.5

To put a new layer of paint or finish on something already painted

is the initial or any act of putting a layer regardless of prior layers

to skim

vsto apply

1 4.1

Cover a liquid with a thin layer of something

applies to surfaces generally, not only thin liquid coverings

to paste up

vsto apply

1 4.5

Attach posters or papers to a wall using glue

means putting a layer or coating, not primarily fixing objects in place

to besmear

vsto apply

9.9

To cover something with a sticky or greasy substance

is neutral about the substance texture and neatness of application

to overcoat

vsto apply

6.4

To cover something with an extra layer, often paint or varnish

is the act of placing a layer without implying excess or repetition

to undercoat

vsto apply

Specialized

4.4

To apply a first layer of paint to a surface before the final coat

is the general layer placement without specifying preparatory roles

to sponge on

vsto apply

6.2

To put liquid or paint on a surface using a sponge

uses any tool or method, not only a sponge, to place a layer

to onlay

vsto apply

8.8

To attach a thin decorative piece to the surface of something

is the act of placing a layer, not specifically decorative attachments

to circumfuse

vsto apply

9.9

To spread a substance all around something, like light or scent

is focused on covering a surface rather than surrounding by pouring

Antonyms

to remove

∞ 1.5

To move something or someone away from a place

Phrasal Verbs

to apply for

208 1.4

To officially ask for something like a job or a visa

to apply oneself to

41 4.2

To work hard and focus on a task

to apply oneself

10 3.9

To work hard and give your full attention to a task

How Thick

to coat

105 2.8

to apply

263 1.3

to spread

664 1.6

to smear

63 3.7

to dab

11 2.8

Surface Forms

apply infinitive

applied past

applied past participle

applying present participle

applies third person singular

Etymology

Apply comes from the Latin parts ad- 'to' and plicare 'to fold or press', giving the image of 'pressing something onto' another thing. So, to apply paint or cream is simply to put it on and press or spread it over a surface.