dispense vs apply

dispense and apply both are verbs.

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

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

Other hyponyms of dispense include allot, assign, portion, reallot, deal, give, roll out.

dispense (verb)	apply (verb)
give or apply (medications)	ask (for something)
administer or bestow, as in small portions	refer (a word or name) to a person or thing
grant a dispensation; grant an exemption	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