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

Crucially, the assessment will borrow heavily from safety files already examined by the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 16 Sep. 2026

In July, the OIG warned that the state's high-speed rail project could run out of money as soon as December 2027 unless the state borrows billions to keep construction on schedule. — Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026

Raising rates could also weaken an economy that is already showing signs of strain, pushing up the cost of borrowing for consumers and businesses. — Matt Stiles, CNN Money, 16 Sep. 2026

But even without direct interpretations, country music has always borrowed, with male artists allowed to succeed under this model with little scrutiny. — Marissa R. Moss, Rolling Stone, 15 Sep. 2026