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.
The third mayoral candidate, Mike Liebelson, is largely self-funded, and attacks both rivals for accepting money from developers and other special interests. Steve Bousquet, Sun Sentinel, 21 Feb. 2026 Challenger Nicholas Cade, an attorney and former public school teacher, accuses her of being beholden to special interests. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026 The moment burnished the image Clinton was trying to build as someone who was willing to stand up to the party’s special interests and most loyal voting base. Paul Grein, Billboard, 17 Feb. 2026 Shortsighted special interests aim to preserve some jobs at the expense of saving lives on the road. Editorial Board, Washington Post, 15 Feb. 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 26 Feb. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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