special interest

noun

Synonyms of special interestnext
: 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.
Joseph also criticized the inability of lawmakers to work across the aisle to pass legislation that would help residents rather than focusing on the priorities of special interests. Miami Herald, 11 June 2026 That’s why a cottage industry of consultants conducts polling and message testing to help local governments and special interests find just the right combination of words and numbers to sell voters on the need to approve them. Susan Shelley, Daily News, 10 June 2026 The billionaire former hedge fund owner campaigned against the corporate and special interests that have a powerful presence in Sacramento and often spend heavily in elections, including this year against Steyer. Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2026 The progressive Democrat has positioned himself as the billionaire who wants to tax billionaires more while taking on corporations and special interests. Grace Hase, Mercury News, 3 June 2026 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 18 Jun. 2026.

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