interest rate

[in-ter-ist reyt, -trist] / ˈɪn tər ɪst ˌreɪt, -trɪst /

NOUN

sum charged for use of money

Synonyms

STRONGEST

interest

WEAK

annual percentage rate bank rate borrowing rate lending rate price of money prime interest rate prime rate rate of interest

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.

A borrower with a strong credit history is more likely to get a lower interest rate on a loan.

From MarketWatch • May 8, 2026

“If your interest rate is above 5% on your student loans, I think it’s important you pay those off as quickly as possible before doing any other retirement or long-term investing,” Catanese said.

From MarketWatch • May 8, 2026

The Bank of Mexico lowered its benchmark interest rate to 6.5%, stating this is the final cut of the current easing cycle.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026

Currently, the weighted average interest rate on national debt is at 3.33%, up from its 2022 low External link of 1.6%.

From Barron's • May 4, 2026

The interest rate paid by the homeowner would thus fall.

From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis