refinance

verb

re·​fi·​nance ˌrē-fə-ˈnan(t)s 

(ˌ)rē-ˈfī-ˌnan(t)s,

ˌrē-(ˌ)fī-ˈnan(t)s

refinanced; refinancing; refinances

transitive + intransitive

: to renew or reorganize the financing of something : to provide for (an outstanding indebtedness) by making or obtaining another loan or a larger loan on fresh terms

refinance a mortgage

With rates tumbling, pay a little more now and retain the flexibility to refinance again next year.

—Daniel Kadlec

Examples of refinance in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Repeatedly incurring those costs would erode the financial benefit of refinancing. —Jessica Dickler,greg Iacurci, CNBC, 19 Sep. 2025

Strategies such as adding rental suites or ADUs can create income streams, plus homeowners can invest in renovations that qualify for green or refinancing programs. —Jennifer Castenson, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025

The Federal Reserve’s rate cut this week is rippling through the housing market, sending mortgage rates lower and spurring a jump in refinancing. —Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2025

Exploring refinancing options for mortgages, student loans or auto loans may open opportunities if rates fall. —Diane Tomb, Boston Herald, 17 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1995, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for refinance

• circumstance
• exceedance
• happenstance
• advance
• askance
• enhance
• expanse
• finance
• freelance
• mischance
• perchance
• romance

Legal Definition

refinance

1 of 2 transitive verb

re·​fi·​nance ˌrē-fə-ˈnans, -ˈfī-ˌnans 

1

: to renew or reorganize the financing of

2

: to revise the terms of (a debt obligation) especially in regard to interest rate or payment schedule

refinance a mortgage

intransitive verb

: to finance something anew

refinance

2 of 2 noun

: a financing of something anew

especially : a revision of the terms of a debt obligation (as a mortgage)