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.
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 Candidates who lost have pointed their fingers at special interests, blaming them for derailing their campaigns. Leah Askarinam, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026 Jeycen has a special interest in drawing and loves creating road maps and highways. CBS News, 8 Apr. 2026 Lobbyists and special interests are constantly scheming to defeat the will of the majority. Mary Nichols, Mercury News, 8 Apr. 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 20 Apr. 2026.

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