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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of borrows
The format borrows from book clubs, with regular meetups, mutual accountability, and snacks on the table.
—
Hanna Wickes,
Miami Herald,
26 June 2026
The last generation of the racer may have been based on the 718 RS Clubsport, and the new version borrows liberally from the 911 Cup that Porsche unveiled earlier this spring.
—
Bryan Hood,
Robb Report,
25 June 2026
Dubbed the Louis Vuitton Combi, Williams’ latest sneaker design borrows clear skate inspiration with its low-profile silhouette and vulcanized sole.
—
Riley Jones,
Footwear News,
21 June 2026
Through a series of cinematic contrivances, Tess borrows Katharine’s skirt suit, claims due credit for her business sense, and wins the affections of Katharine’s financier boyfriend (Harrison Ford).
—
Molly Fischer,
New Yorker,
15 June 2026
More often, the series borrows from the overall feeling of Dippold’s inspirations, mashing up and remixing the obsessions of a lifelong horror fan.
—
Keith Phipps,
Vulture,
15 June 2026
There’s a sportier steering wheel and sporty seats, but the rest of the cockpit borrows from the Civic.
—
Jonathan M. Gitlin,
ArsTechnica,
10 June 2026
The quaint but stylish converted house is next door to Harry’s Fine Foods, a restaurant whose cozy indoor-outdoor porch belies its inventive menu that borrows influences ranging from the Mediterranean to Southeast Asia.
—
Harry Cheadle,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
27 May 2026
Its social-media strategy borrows from a playbook written by someone else.
—
Bobby Ghosh,
Time,
27 May 2026
Hanna Wickes,
Miami Herald,
26 June 2026
The last generation of the racer may have been based on the 718 RS Clubsport, and the new version borrows liberally from the 911 Cup that Porsche unveiled earlier this spring.
—
Bryan Hood,
Robb Report,
25 June 2026
Dubbed the Louis Vuitton Combi, Williams’ latest sneaker design borrows clear skate inspiration with its low-profile silhouette and vulcanized sole.
—
Riley Jones,
Footwear News,
21 June 2026
Through a series of cinematic contrivances, Tess borrows Katharine’s skirt suit, claims due credit for her business sense, and wins the affections of Katharine’s financier boyfriend (Harrison Ford).
—
Molly Fischer,
New Yorker,
15 June 2026
More often, the series borrows from the overall feeling of Dippold’s inspirations, mashing up and remixing the obsessions of a lifelong horror fan.
—
Keith Phipps,
Vulture,
15 June 2026
There’s a sportier steering wheel and sporty seats, but the rest of the cockpit borrows from the Civic.
—
Jonathan M. Gitlin,
ArsTechnica,
10 June 2026
The quaint but stylish converted house is next door to Harry’s Fine Foods, a restaurant whose cozy indoor-outdoor porch belies its inventive menu that borrows influences ranging from the Mediterranean to Southeast Asia.
—
Harry Cheadle,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
27 May 2026
Its social-media strategy borrows from a playbook written by someone else.
—
Bobby Ghosh,
Time,
27 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for borrows
Verb
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The Sacramento County Office of Education is expected to review and approve the budget before the state adopts its final budget in July.
-
Healthcare rarely adopts broad categories.
Verb
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How his work embraces the ephemeral, how that is expressed in pieces made to last much longer than a season.
-
As the fashion industry embraces these jerseys, some teams are leaning in.
Cite this Entry
“Borrows.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/borrows. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.
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