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

Gen Zers are the most likely to anticipate borrowing (43%), followed by parents with children under 18 (40%), and millennials (35%). — Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 28 Oct. 2026

Modern takes borrow the shape and spirit of those decades while using contemporary cutting techniques and a looser finish. — Ashley Lynch, Kansas City Star, 28 Oct. 2026

Bond referendum questions allow voters to decide whether a school district or other public entity can borrow money, generally for capital projects. — Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026

To borrow a line from Bob Uecker, your title drought is up, outta here, gone. — ABC News, 28 Oct. 2026