sponge on vs apply

sponge on and apply both are verbs.

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

As verbs, apply is a hypernym of sponge on; that is, apply is a word with a broader meaning than sponge on:

Other hypernyms of sponge on include put on.

sponge on (verb)	apply (verb)
apply with a sponge	ask (for something)
	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