Antonyms for “borrow” are words that convey the opposite meaning of borrowing something for temporary use. “Borrow” typically implies taking something with the intention of returning it later. In contrast, antonyms for borrow suggest activities where one is not taking or using something temporarily from another person or entity.
In everyday language, when we use the antonyms for “borrow,” we are referring to actions that involve keeping or retaining something instead of returning it. These words help us express the idea of ownership, possession, or acquisition without the concept of temporary use associated with borrowing.
Understanding the antonyms for “borrow” provides us with a deeper comprehension of language and clarifies the nuances between different actions and concepts related to possession and usage. By recognizing these antonyms, we can effectively communicate ideas and express ourselves with precision in various contexts.
35 Antonyms for BORROW With Sentences
Here’s a complete list of opposite for borrow. Practice and let us know if you have any questions regarding BORROW antonyms.
| Antonym | Sentence with Borrow | Sentence with Antonym |
|---|---|---|
| Lend | Can I borrow your book? | Sure, I can lend you my book. |
| Keep | I need to borrow your car for a day. | I can keep my car for my own use. |
| Own | She always has to borrow clothes. | She prefers to own her own clothes. |
| Return | I will borrow this money from you. | I promise to return the money next week. |
| Retrieve | Can I borrow your phone briefly? | Sure, but please retrieve it quickly. |
| Repay | I might need to borrow some money. | Don’t worry, I will repay you in time. |
| Sell | I might have to borrow your bike. | You can always sell your bike to me. |
| Buy | I had to borrow a pen for the exam. | I think I need to buy my own pen. |
| Loan | Can you borrow me some money? | Sure, I can give you a loan if you need. |
| Keep | Can I borrow your jacket tonight? | Sorry, I need to keep it for myself. |
| Acquire | I’ll have to borrow his computer. | Soon, you should acquire your own computer. |
| Surrender | She had to borrow her friend’s phone. | She didn’t want to surrender her own. |
| Stay | Can we borrow your beach chairs? | We can always stay on our own chairs. |
| Grant | He had to borrow his friend’s tools. | He will grant permission to use them. |
| Possess | She often has to borrow money. | She wants to have and possess her own money. |
| Obtain | I borrowed his laptop for the trip. | I need to obtain my own laptop soon. |
| Keep | He has to borrow her car sometimes | He would prefer to keep his own car. |
| Withhold | Can I borrow your phone charger? | Sorry, I have to withhold it for now. |
| Repossess | She had to borrow his camera again. | She didn’t want to repossess her old camera. |
| Extort | He had to borrow money from his sister. | He didn’t want to extort money from her. |
| Approve | I may need to borrow your textbook. | I hope the teacher will approve my request. |
| Lease | Can I borrow your lawn mower? | You can also lease a lawn mower for a season. |
| Demolish | He wants to borrow his neighbor’s ladder. | He doesn’t want to demolish his own ladder. |
| Procure | I have to borrow his camera for the project. | I need to procure my own camera soon. |
| Deny | Can I borrow your headphones? | Sorry, I have to deny your request. |
| Obtain | She often has to borrow clothes. | However, she prefers to obtain her own. |
| Deprive | He had to borrow money from his parents. | He didn’t want to deprive himself of it. |
| Bestow | Can I borrow your notes for the exam? | I can definitely bestow my notes upon you. |
| Gift | He might need to borrow your car. | He might prefer to gift you his own. |
| Unburden | She had to borrow her roommate’s laptop. | She didn’t want to unburden her roommate. |
Final Thoughts about Antonyms of BORROW
In providing a takeaway, it is crucial to note that the antonyms for borrow encompass concepts such as lend, return, and keep. Whereas borrowing involves taking something temporarily, lending involves giving something for temporary use. Returning is the act of giving back what was borrowed, completing the transaction. On the other hand, keeping denotes the act of retaining something without the intention of giving it back. Understanding these antonyms can help clarify the dynamics of borrowing and its counterparts, highlighting the reciprocal nature of transactions involving the transfer of goods or resources.