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

The implication, following Fed Chairman Kevin Warsh’s statements on the hold yesterday, is that traders now expect the Fed to raise rates in September—thus making money more expensive to borrow, which is generally bad for stocks. — Jim Edwards, Fortune, 30 July 2026

Rather than trying to recreate a suburban estate, Chilston Court instead borrows cues from luxury hospitality. — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 29 July 2026

Current interest rates have already pushed the cost of borrowing money beyond the reach of many consumers and smaller businesses. — Brian Cheung, NBC news, 29 July 2026

The efficiency was always borrowed against a bill that's now coming due. — Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026