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.
Brakel, a Crowley ISD graduate, has a special interest in the community. Myah Taylor, Dallas Morning News, 19 Mar. 2026 According to some watchdog estimates, political action committees have spent more than $31 million on the primaries, with special interest groups hoping their money will sway voters making their way to the polls. Sabrina Franza, CBS News, 16 Mar. 2026 As turbulent as the weather has been, so has the flurry of TV and streaming ads and political mailings from the candidates, as well as from special interests seeking to influence voters. Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 16 Mar. 2026 James Edward Mills is an aspiring mountaineer with a special interest in backcountry and lift service telemark skiing. James Edward Mills, Outside, 15 Mar. 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 28 Mar. 2026.

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