apply vs sponge on

apply and sponge on both are verbs.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
apply	No	No	Yes	No
sponge on	No	No	Yes	No

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

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

apply (verb)	sponge on (verb)
ask (for something)	apply with a sponge
refer (a word or name) to a person or thing
put into service; make work or employ for a particular purpose or for its inherent or natural purpose
coat, cover or smear a surface with
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