Synonyms of borrow

borrow

verb

ˈbär-(ˌ)ō 

as in to adopt

to take for one's own use (something originated by another)

borrowed the basic plot from a book of tales, but put her personal stamp on the story

Synonyms & Similar Words

• adopt
• embrace
• take up
• cultivate
• use
• assimilate
• take on
• utilize
• follow
• copy
• imitate
• incorporate
• pick up on
• espouse
• absorb
• quote
• usurp
• appropriate
• treasure
• honor
• cherish
• raise
• heed
• take over
• domesticate
• prize
• pretend
• assume
• affect
• naturalize
• arrogate
• simulate
• foster
• nurture
• put on
• bring up
• rear

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• abandon
• relinquish
• forsake
• give up
• surrender
• reject
• disown
• renounce
• repudiate
• abjure
• spurn
• discard
• throw away
• jettison
• throw out
• abnegate
• junk

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of borrow

Renewable energy developers across Africa borrow at significantly higher interest rates than their counterparts in wealthier economies because investors perceive view projects as having greater risks. — ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026

For years, low interest rates enabled the government to borrow freely. — Tami Luhby, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026

As yields rise, so do the interest rates on a range of consumer credit products, such as mortgages and car loans, making the cost of borrowing more expensive for everyone. — Jim Edwards, Fortune, 19 Aug. 2026

That makes borrowing money more expensive for everyone, which slows the economy and undercuts prices for stocks and other investments. — Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026