Answer
A sync is the operation where ArgoCD applies the desired state from Git to the cluster so the live state matches. It computes the diff, orders resources (by waves/hooks), applies them, and reports success or failure. Syncs can be manual or automated, full or selective, and can run with options like prune and dry-run.
argocd app sync my-app
argocd app sync my-app --prune --dry-runReal-world example Merging a change and clicking Sync applies the new manifests, moving the app from OutOfSync to Synced.