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
What is the truth, what is the lie, and how photography historically borrows the sense of truth and reality in order to tell lies, in order to seduce people to do things.
—
Caterina De Biasio, Vogue, 23 Feb. 2026
Virtually all of Kin borrows its distortion and unstable vibrations, making the new record a far less soothing listen than its predecessor.
—Philip Sherburne, Pitchfork, 21 Feb. 2026
Advertisement In a moment when politics increasingly borrows the aesthetics of culture, clarity counts.
—Debbie Millman, Time, 4 Feb. 2026
This recipe borrows that same concept and scales it up to a Bundt pan size.
—Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
The plan, unanimously approved by the House Judiciary Committee, borrows from changes made in the public-school system after the 2018 mass shooting at Parkland’s Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.
—Jim Saunders, Sun Sentinel, 27 Jan. 2026
The plan, which was unanimously approved by the House Judiciary Committee, borrows from changes made in the public-school system after the 2018 mass shooting at Parkland's Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.
—Cbs Miami Team, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026
The model borrows from the early-stage start-up strategy of throwing ideas against the wall, hoping consumers will quickly say no to the loser ideas, and graduating winners to the main business.
—Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
The restaurant seats about 215 people at the moment, and borrows a similar look and feel from its sister on the Plaza.
—Kansas City Star, 22 Jan. 2026
Caterina De Biasio, Vogue, 23 Feb. 2026
Virtually all of Kin borrows its distortion and unstable vibrations, making the new record a far less soothing listen than its predecessor.
—Philip Sherburne, Pitchfork, 21 Feb. 2026
Advertisement In a moment when politics increasingly borrows the aesthetics of culture, clarity counts.
—Debbie Millman, Time, 4 Feb. 2026
This recipe borrows that same concept and scales it up to a Bundt pan size.
—Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
The plan, unanimously approved by the House Judiciary Committee, borrows from changes made in the public-school system after the 2018 mass shooting at Parkland’s Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.
—Jim Saunders, Sun Sentinel, 27 Jan. 2026
The plan, which was unanimously approved by the House Judiciary Committee, borrows from changes made in the public-school system after the 2018 mass shooting at Parkland's Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.
—Cbs Miami Team, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026
The model borrows from the early-stage start-up strategy of throwing ideas against the wall, hoping consumers will quickly say no to the loser ideas, and graduating winners to the main business.
—Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
The restaurant seats about 215 people at the moment, and borrows a similar look and feel from its sister on the Plaza.
—Kansas City Star, 22 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for borrows
Verb
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The proposal, approved on first reading on Tuesday night, would be implemented as soon as the end of March if the City Council adopts it on final reading, a vote that appears likely, given the lack of opposition now that Calvo holds the mayor’s office and has consensus support on the council.—
Verónica Egui Brito,
Miami Herald,
25 Feb. 2026
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By calling itself an institute, the artist-run organization adopts the traditional markers of academic power while collapsing the hierarchies of collegiate critical theory and interdisciplinary studies programs.—
Catherine Taft,
Artforum,
1 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Mike Varshavski, a family medicine physician and social media influencer, embraces live debate.—
Theresa Gaffney,
STAT,
26 Feb. 2026
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Mayor Vi Lyles said Charlotte is a city that embraces innovation.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
25 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Borrows.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/borrows. Accessed 1 Mar. 2026.
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