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
The humanoid display also borrows durability and efficiency features from the company’s automotive OLED technology.
—
Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 7 May 2026
What the Forward Edge Means The phrase borrows from military doctrine, where the forward edge marks the line where engagement is most intense.
—William Jones, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
Critics say Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government is hostile to Muslims in particular and borrows from the organization's Hindu nationalist ideology.
—Rob Schmitz, NPR, 25 Apr. 2026
When the government borrows more than the market expects, on the other hand, the Treasury may have to raise yields to sell the bonds.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 Apr. 2026
And, ultimately, being a writer who borrows from life is something that should be gone about in a considered way, because life matters.
—The New Yorker, New Yorker, 22 Apr. 2026
The New Balance Maxey v1 borrows its aesthetic from the wildly popular 9060 lifestyle sneaker.
—Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 16 Apr. 2026
Tommy borrows all of Greg’s toiletries and immediately misplaces them.
—Erin Qualey, Vulture, 13 Apr. 2026
As Motorrad first pointed out, the 1000 RR borrows from QJ Motor, right from its design to the motor used.
—New Atlas, 10 Apr. 2026
Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 7 May 2026
What the Forward Edge Means The phrase borrows from military doctrine, where the forward edge marks the line where engagement is most intense.
—William Jones, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
Critics say Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government is hostile to Muslims in particular and borrows from the organization's Hindu nationalist ideology.
—Rob Schmitz, NPR, 25 Apr. 2026
When the government borrows more than the market expects, on the other hand, the Treasury may have to raise yields to sell the bonds.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 Apr. 2026
And, ultimately, being a writer who borrows from life is something that should be gone about in a considered way, because life matters.
—The New Yorker, New Yorker, 22 Apr. 2026
The New Balance Maxey v1 borrows its aesthetic from the wildly popular 9060 lifestyle sneaker.
—Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 16 Apr. 2026
Tommy borrows all of Greg’s toiletries and immediately misplaces them.
—Erin Qualey, Vulture, 13 Apr. 2026
As Motorrad first pointed out, the 1000 RR borrows from QJ Motor, right from its design to the motor used.
—New Atlas, 10 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for borrows
Verb
-
Rodríguez’s rise to interim leadership has signaled continuity in key areas of state control, even as her government adopts a more pragmatic tone toward the United States.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
2 May 2026
-
Experts warn that similar risks have emerged across Africa as the continent adopts more renewable energy.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Being forced to parent his child sours Danny’s attitude during the outing to the amusement park, while Nia embraces the rare child-free moment.—
Ile-Ife Okantah,
Vulture,
7 May 2026
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McKenna embraces every inch of Piggy’s awkwardness, every desperate plea for acceptance and friendship, without polish or artificiality.—
Daniel Fienberg,
HollywoodReporter,
4 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Borrows.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/borrows. Accessed 14 May. 2026.
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