Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for borrow. Search instead for Borrows.
Definitions

borrow

[bor-oh, bawr-oh] / ˈbɒr oʊ, ˈbɔr oʊ /
VERB
take for temporary use
Synonyms
STRONGEST
acquire hire obtain rent
STRONG
beg bite bum cadge chisel lift mooch negotiate pawn pledge scrounge soak sponge tap touch
WEAK
accept loan of give a note for hit up raise money run into debt see one's uncle take on loan use temporarily
Antonyms
STRONGEST
forfeit lose
STRONG
give
WEAK
lend pay return
VERB
adopt from another source; appropriate
Synonyms
STRONGEST
acquire adopt assume copy obtain steal use
STRONG
filch imitate pilfer pirate plagiarize simulate take usurp
WEAK
make one's own
Antonyms
STRONGEST
forfeit leave alone lose
STRONG
give receive
WEAK
lend pay return

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“In West Dorset, we borrow from the landscape,” said author Jason Goodwin, who leads local garden tours.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 11, 2026

“If rates or credit spreads ever go up, the companies that borrowed will have to borrow at even higher rates,” Mr. Dimon warns—a timeless lesson often forgotten in credit manias.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

Previously, the government allowed students and families to borrow up to the cost of attendance through these programs.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 31, 2026

They can adjust taxes, change benefits, restructure obligations, and crucially, borrow over long time horizons.

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

I’d need a lot more information before I let him borrow my favorite book.

From "Bye Forever, I Guess" by Jodi Meadows

Vocabulary lists containing borrow

ESL Library Vocabulary

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

"A Poem for My Librarian, Mrs. Long," Vocabulary from the poem

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

List 3

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!