special interest

noun

: a person or group seeking to influence legislative or government policy to further often narrowly defined interests

especially : lobby

Synonyms of special interest

• interest
• interest group

Examples of special interest in a Sentence

promised that as governor he would never be beholden to special interests

Recent Examples on the Web

My Ecuador and Peru travelers often have special interests including wildlife, culture, food, and hiking. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Sep. 2026

The organizations often stem from business groups, billionaires and other special interests who want to keep their identity hidden. — Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 29 Sep. 2026

All this unfolded at a time of relative global peace, so the special interest decision-making model amplified the entrenchment of these companies and created a mosaic of military platforms and systems. — Dan Driscoll, Foreign Affairs, 28 Sep. 2026

In the film, Pattinson’s Hansen takes a special interest in Gisondo’s Dan, taking him out to dinner, giving him advice, coaching him on set, and serving as a surrogate father. — Samantha Bergeson, Vanity Fair, 24 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1906, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for special interest

• noninterest