special interest

noun

: a person or group seeking to influence legislative or government policy to further often narrowly defined interests

especially : lobby

Synonyms of special interest

• interest
• interest group

Examples of special interest in a Sentence

promised that as governor he would never be beholden to special interests

Recent Examples on the Web

In the film, Pattinson’s Hansen takes a special interest in Gisondo’s Dan, taking him out to dinner, giving him advice, coaching him on set, and serving as a surrogate father. — Samantha Bergeson, Vanity Fair, 24 Sep. 2026

That includes Jack Spencer, one of Coco’s employees who takes a special interest in Charles’ investigation. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 23 Sep. 2026

That was Lucas’ preference — but politics, special interest groups and politicians shot it down. — Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026

With a few other liberal Democrats, nicknamed the Grizzlies, Sher would pick through turgid language of legislation looking for provisions that reflected the undue influence of special interests. — Dan Morain, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1906, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for special interest

• noninterest