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 painter of Girl with a Pearl Earring had a special interest in the town where he was born at the height of the Dutch Baroque period in the mid-17th century.
—
Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Jan. 2026
Combined with sensational media coverage and advocacy by special interests, such studies have led to ineffective or even harmful national health policies.
—Stephen B. Soumerai, STAT, 7 Jan. 2026
Not for the special interests that constantly roam the halls in Washington.
—NBC news, 4 Jan. 2026
Even some Republicans worried the measure would prompt special interest groups to simply lobby the General Assembly to get rid of legal challenges.
—Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 29 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for special interest
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Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Jan. 2026
Combined with sensational media coverage and advocacy by special interests, such studies have led to ineffective or even harmful national health policies.
—Stephen B. Soumerai, STAT, 7 Jan. 2026
Not for the special interests that constantly roam the halls in Washington.
—NBC news, 4 Jan. 2026
Even some Republicans worried the measure would prompt special interest groups to simply lobby the General Assembly to get rid of legal challenges.
—Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 29 Dec. 2025
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 11 Jan. 2026.
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