as in adopting
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of borrowing
Scientists have found a way to make a new class of gas-trapping glass easier to manufacture by borrowing a centuries-old principle from traditional glassmaking.
—
Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 4 May 2026
As for raising revenue and borrowing money, taxpayers should come first.
—Linh Tat, Oc Register, 4 May 2026
Two paramedics who happened to be on board helped out, borrowing blankets from other passengers and using a shoelace to tie off the umbilical cord.
—Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 2 May 2026
Throughout the shutdown, local TSA workers reported turning down doctor visits for their children, borrowing money from in-laws, pulling funds from savings, taking second jobs and missing credit card payments.
—Sacbee.com, 2 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for borrowing
Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 4 May 2026
As for raising revenue and borrowing money, taxpayers should come first.
—Linh Tat, Oc Register, 4 May 2026
Two paramedics who happened to be on board helped out, borrowing blankets from other passengers and using a shoelace to tie off the umbilical cord.
—Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 2 May 2026
Throughout the shutdown, local TSA workers reported turning down doctor visits for their children, borrowing money from in-laws, pulling funds from savings, taking second jobs and missing credit card payments.
—Sacbee.com, 2 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for borrowing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for borrowing
Verb
-
The Oliver Wyman survey results build on findings from a Harvard University study showing that firms adopting generative AI have significantly reduced junior-level positions, while keeping senior employment largely stable.—
Victor Swezey,
Fortune,
16 May 2026
-
First, consider adopting small gestures of gratitude.—
Gili Malinsky,
CNBC,
15 May 2026
Verb
-
Across Florida and throughout the country, behavioral-health providers are increasingly embracing approaches that focus on the whole person and the whole family.—
Maria Bledsoe,
The Orlando Sentinel,
17 May 2026
-
Hirokazu Koreeda brings his customary warmth and generosity of spirit to the seemingly cold presence of GenAI in our lives in Sheep in the Box (Hako no naka no hitsuji), in which grieving parents hope to ease their pain by embracing a humanoid built in their dead son’s image.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
16 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Borrowing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/borrowing. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
