# application vs applicator

> English confusable word pair

## The two words

### application
*noun · IPA /ˌæp.lᵻˈkeɪ.ʃən/ · frequency rank #1,446*
The act of physically applying or laying on.

### applicator
*noun · frequency rank #47,469*
A tool or device used to apply a fluid or semi-fluid substance to a surface.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/vs/application-vs-applicator