as in adopts
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 borrows
In this case, Palazzolo borrows from another artist who shares the same irreverence for societal norms, all while questioning our society’s worship of labor.
—
Mario Rodriguez, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2025
The scene where ‘80s teen Marty McFly borrows a scooter from a bewildered ‘50s kid and breaks off the handles to make a skateboard is one of the film’s most iconic moments.
—Charlotte Observer, 21 Oct. 2025
Teams could also win their way into, and lose their way out of, the league’s remaining spots, which borrows from the relegation and promotion model that is central to European soccer leagues.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 20 Oct. 2025
The Lydia dress, which borrows the look of more contemporary pieces from the Royal Ballet, used the same hem circumference measurement as the company’s dresses.
—Hikmat Mohammed, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2025
This frame borrows from Bernhard’s tailspin of a novel, set entirely in a narcissist’s armchair.
—Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 25 Sep. 2025
With a boho top This denim trend borrows heavily from the bohemian look, so why not lean into it everywhere else?
—Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 25 Sep. 2025
The series borrows from and advances the term psychogeography, coined in 1955 by French Marxist theorist, writer, filmmaker, and revolutionary Guy Debord to describe the effect that geographical environments have on the emotions and behavior of individuals.
—Natasha Gural, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
To fund all that spending and still maintain his stake in Oracle, Ellison borrows heavily against his Oracle shares.
—Robert Frank, CNBC, 18 Sep. 2025
Mario Rodriguez, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2025
The scene where ‘80s teen Marty McFly borrows a scooter from a bewildered ‘50s kid and breaks off the handles to make a skateboard is one of the film’s most iconic moments.
—Charlotte Observer, 21 Oct. 2025
Teams could also win their way into, and lose their way out of, the league’s remaining spots, which borrows from the relegation and promotion model that is central to European soccer leagues.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 20 Oct. 2025
The Lydia dress, which borrows the look of more contemporary pieces from the Royal Ballet, used the same hem circumference measurement as the company’s dresses.
—Hikmat Mohammed, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2025
This frame borrows from Bernhard’s tailspin of a novel, set entirely in a narcissist’s armchair.
—Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 25 Sep. 2025
With a boho top This denim trend borrows heavily from the bohemian look, so why not lean into it everywhere else?
—Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 25 Sep. 2025
The series borrows from and advances the term psychogeography, coined in 1955 by French Marxist theorist, writer, filmmaker, and revolutionary Guy Debord to describe the effect that geographical environments have on the emotions and behavior of individuals.
—Natasha Gural, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
To fund all that spending and still maintain his stake in Oracle, Ellison borrows heavily against his Oracle shares.
—Robert Frank, CNBC, 18 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for borrows
Verb
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In contrast, underparenting adopts an intentional approach—offering plenty of space to explore their own interests and make up their own games, as well as opportunities for independence.—
Alex Vance,
Parents,
21 Oct. 2025
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In the movie, June Squibb plays an elderly Jewish woman who stumbles into a support group at the local Jewish Community Center and adopts her best friend’s experiences as her own.—
Peter Debruge,
Variety,
9 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The Middletons are a huggy bunch; embraces come easily and often.—
Erika Edwards,
NBC news,
23 Oct. 2025
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The actress leads Anniversary, a thriller about a fractured family that clashes as the country embraces a controversial rising movement known as The Change.—
Benjamin VanHoose,
PEOPLE,
22 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Borrows.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/borrows. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.
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