Apply
Apply verb - To have a relation or connection.
Usage example: does your rule about calling home apply to me as well?
Refer is a synonym for apply in relevant topic. In some cases you can use "Refer" instead a verb "Apply", when it comes to topics like concern, relationship, relate, used. popular alternative
Refer
Refer verb - To have a relation or connection.
Usage example: I don't think that rule of play refers to this particular situation
Apply is a synonym for refer in concern topic. You can use "Apply" instead a verb "Refer", if it concerns topics such as relationship, relate, used, consult. popular alternative
Mutual synonyms
Common collocations
Both words in one sentence
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This trope is often also used to refer to any unpleasant transformation, which would apply more to the less frequently used sub-trope Transformation Horror.
Source: Square Peg, Round Trope - Note that "perspective" is not literally a physical perspective but is used to refer to either opinions or assumptions; this can apply to either.
Source: Perspective Reversal -
N-Word Privileges: The Khan children frequently refer to Pakistani-born immigrants as "Pakis", not considering it to apply to them.
Source: Film / East is East
Cite this Source
Refer and Apply. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 21, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/apply/refer
Apply & Refer. N.p., 2016. Web. 21 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/apply/refer>.
Refer or Apply. 2016. Accessed July 21, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/apply/refer.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "apply" and "refer" have occurred on timeline