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.
This is unsurprising given the makeup of the Legislature, with a Democratic supermajority backed by various special interests, especially public sector unions, eager to raid public coffers whenever possible. The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 9 Sep. 2025 In those races, there are independent expenditures that include developers, unions and other special interests. Van Schoales, Denver Post, 9 Sep. 2025 Our health policies are guided by evidence, common sense, and respect for individual rights—not ideological agendas or special interests. Peter Aitken, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Sep. 2025 Americans for Prosperity ― Ogles' former employer and that of many of his congressional staff ― is a political special interest group that advocates for limited government, free markets and fiscal restraint. Vivian Jones, Nashville Tennessean, 5 Sep. 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 11 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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