apply vs dab

apply is not a noun while dab is a noun.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
apply	No	No	Yes	No
dab	Yes	No	Yes	No

As verbs, dab is a hyponym of apply; that is, dab is a word with a more specific, narrower meaning than apply:

Other hyponyms of apply include swab, swob, daub, gum, dress, cream, cold-cream, putty, sponge on, clap on, slam on, slap on.

apply (noun)	dab (noun)
	a light touch or stroke
	a dance move in which the dancer simultaneously drops the head while raising an arm and the elbow in a gesture that has been noted to resemble sneezing
	a small quantity of something moist or liquid

apply (verb)	dab (verb)
ask (for something)	to smoke marijuana using butane hash oil
refer (a word or name) to a person or thing	hit lightly
put into service; make work or employ for a particular purpose or for its inherent or natural purpose	apply (usually a liquid) to a surface
coat, cover or smear a surface with	to perform a dance move in which the dancer simultaneously drops the head while raising an arm and the elbow in a gesture that has been noted to resemble sneezing
give or convey physically
avail oneself to
ensure observance of laws and rules
apply oneself to
be pertinent or relevant or applicable
be applicable to; as to an analysis