| 100% | LAYON | 5 | Apply, as a phony accent |
| 57% | PRIMER | 6 | Paint applied as a base |
| 55% | STEPON | 6 | Apply, as a brake |
| 55% | USE | 3 | Apply, as a tool |
| 55% | IRONEDON | 8 | Applied, as a patch |
| 54% | LAYON | 5 | Apply, as a coat of wax |
| 54% | LAYON | 5 | Apply, as a coat of paint |
| 54% | LAYON | 5 | Apply, as a healer's hands |
| 53% | LAIDON | 6 | Applied, as a coat of varnish |
| 53% | DAB | 3 | Apply, as with a cotton swab |
| 53% | LAYSON | 6 | Applies, as a thick coat of paint |
| 52% | LAYON | 5 | Apply, as paint or a guilt trip |
| 51% | STRESS | 6 | Accent, as a syllable |
| 51% | PIPE | 4 | Apply with a tube, as frosting |
| 50% | DAB | 3 | Apply a minimal amount of, as cologne |
| 50% | DAB | 3 | Apply with a fingertip, as eye cream |
| 49% | DAB | 3 | A gently applied amount, as with makeup |
| 49% | FREELUNCH | 9 | There's no such thing as a __, hidden costs apply |
| 48% | USEON | 5 | Apply to as a treatment, say |
| 48% | WAIVE | 5 | Refrain from applying, as a service fee |
| 48% | DAB | 3 | Apply lightly, as a cream |
| 48% | DAB | 3 | Apply gently, as a cream |
| 48% | USEON | 5 | Apply to, as a liniment |
| 48% | DAUB | 4 | Apply, as ink to cover a number on a Bingo card |
| 47% | ADOPTING | 8 | Putting on, as a fake accent |
| 47% | PUTIN | 5 | Apply (for), as a promotion |
| 47% | DAB | 3 | Apply a small amount using a fingertip, as with perfume |
| 47% | USEON | 5 | Apply to, as a balm: 2 wds. |
| 45% | DABS | 4 | Applies gently, as a dollop of shaving cream |
| 45% | BASTE | 5 | Apply juice to, as a turkey |