special interest

noun

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

Examples of special interest in a Sentence

promised that as governor he would never be beholden to special interests
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The owner's dog, Draco, started taking a special interest in one of the power outlets in the hallway. Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 June 2025 Two ensembles are also likely to hold special interest: the Brentano String Quartet on July 15, and the Dover Quartet on July 29. Ray Mark Rinaldi, Denver Post, 22 June 2025 In fact, about 25% of the bill consists of different tax breaks on tips or overtime, and spending hikes for the military and various special interests. Veronique De Rugy, Oc Register, 12 June 2025 The donations make up just a fraction of the checks from New York business leaders, billionaires and special interest groups pouring into a super PAC boosting Andrew M. Cuomo, the favorite in the Democratic primary for mayor on June 24. Nicholas Fandos, New York Times, 1 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for special interest

Word History

First Known Use

1906, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of special interest was in 1906

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Special interest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/special%20interest. Accessed 7 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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