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.

Since US strikes on Iran began, the average interest rate for a 30-year mortgage has risen from 5.98% to 6.3%, according to data from Freddie Mac.

From BBC • May 2, 2026

This includes setting the central bank’s benchmark interest rate, which can influence the direction of capital markets.

From MarketWatch • May 1, 2026

As universally expected, the panel held its key policy interest rate unchanged, in a range of 3.50% to 3.75%.

From Barron's • May 1, 2026

No interest rate rise is going to force an oil tanker through the Strait of Hormuz, or clear the "hazardous area" of mines.

From BBC • Apr. 30, 2026

“The company's going to loan them the money, almost no interest rate, twenty years to pay.”

From "October Sky" by Homer Hickam