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
The governor has rightly made reining in this out-of-control enterprise a top priority in the state budget talks, taking on one of Albany’s most entrenched special interests — the trial lawyers — with the goal of lowering insurance costs for New Yorkers.
—
Ike Brannon, New York Daily News, 19 Apr. 2026
Two in particular drew special interest.
—Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 16 Apr. 2026
Very few lobbyists or special interests in Tallahassee gave Gregory a dime.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 15 Apr. 2026
In 2019, a USA TODAY investigation documented at least 10,000 bills almost entirely copied from model legislation written by special interest groups — not lawmakers — that were introduced nationwide over eight years, and more than 2,100 of those bills were signed into state law.
—Brieanna J. Frank, USA Today, 11 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for special interest
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.
Ike Brannon, New York Daily News, 19 Apr. 2026
Two in particular drew special interest.
—Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 16 Apr. 2026
Very few lobbyists or special interests in Tallahassee gave Gregory a dime.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 15 Apr. 2026
In 2019, a USA TODAY investigation documented at least 10,000 bills almost entirely copied from model legislation written by special interest groups — not lawmakers — that were introduced nationwide over eight years, and more than 2,100 of those bills were signed into state law.
—Brieanna J. Frank, USA Today, 11 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for special interest
Cite this Entry
“Special interest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/special%20interest. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
