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 move higher in bond yields raises the cost of borrowing money, and some economists worry that yields have reached levels that could pose a risk for the broader economy. — Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 24 Sep. 2026

The larger lesson involves how criminals can borrow credibility from verified accounts and familiar companies to get people to lower their guard. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 23 Sep. 2026

While many in the crowd were dressed in the latest Chanel borrowed for the occasion, Rossum dug into her own archives for the occasion. — Leigh Nordstrom, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2026

Several rapidly expanding startups have failed due to concerns about banking approvals, borrowing licenses and consumer protection. — Antoine Sallis, Forbes.com, 23 Sep. 2026