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
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Recent Examples of borrow
Guests showed up in their best Miu Miu looks — some old, some borrowed and some brand new, including Jenna Coleman, Sydney Sweeney, Daisy Risley, Hēir, Emma Corrin, Luther Ford and Alexa Chung.
—
Hikmat Mohammed, Footwear News, 13 June 2025
Many are reading-based, like listening to an audiobook, re-reading a favorite book from childhood or borrowing a book from a friend or Little Free Library.
—Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 13 June 2025
Having borrowed the sand and surf motif from his surfer brother Dennis Wilson — the only surfer among the group — Brian later became inspired, and frustrated, by The Beatles’ evolving sound.
—Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 11 June 2025
Investors have been demanding the U.S. government pay more in interest to borrow because of worries about whether it’s set to add trillions of dollars to its debt through tax cuts under discussion on Capitol Hill.
—Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for borrow
Hikmat Mohammed, Footwear News, 13 June 2025
Many are reading-based, like listening to an audiobook, re-reading a favorite book from childhood or borrowing a book from a friend or Little Free Library.
—Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 13 June 2025
Having borrowed the sand and surf motif from his surfer brother Dennis Wilson — the only surfer among the group — Brian later became inspired, and frustrated, by The Beatles’ evolving sound.
—Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 11 June 2025
Investors have been demanding the U.S. government pay more in interest to borrow because of worries about whether it’s set to add trillions of dollars to its debt through tax cuts under discussion on Capitol Hill.
—Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for borrow
Recent Examples of Synonyms for borrow
Verb
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The term smart city, which first began to appear in the 1990s, is used to describe an urban area that adopts innovative digital technologies, data, sensors, and connectivity to improve a community’s livability, workability, and sustainability.—
Dr. Jonathan Reichental,
Forbes.com,
8 June 2025
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At the heart of the conference is the push to ratify the High Seas Treaty, adopted in 2023.—
Annika Hammerschlag,
Los Angeles Times,
8 June 2025
Verb
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Perhaps the real beauty behind this new King Air is its ability to recall the past while embracing the future.—
Nicole Hoey,
Robb Report,
12 June 2025
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Organizations must move away from outdated models and embrace those that prioritize resilience, innovation and long-term value.—
Sanjay Menon,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Borrow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/borrow. Accessed 20 Jun. 2025.
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