pressure groups

Definition of pressure groupsnext
plural of pressure group
as in interests
a group of people with a common identifying interest that they seek to protect and promote observed that if publishers gave in to every pressure group, nothing would ever get published

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of pressure groups The leader of the Ex-Slave Pension Association was later imprisoned on mail fraud charges, and the organization faded away, while the Eagles became one of the pressure groups that eventually led to Social Security. Trevor Jackson, The New York Review of Books, 4 Apr. 2026 Cosseted by favorable districts and incumbent fundraising advantages, the majority caters mostly to pressure groups — especially socially conservative ones — that influence Republican primaries. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 10 Feb. 2026 Johnson is calling for coordinated national efforts led by mayors and state governments, in concert with public pressure groups and local residents, to combat the actions by ICE, the Border Patrol and other federal authorities. David Greising, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026 At the same time, pressure groups worked hard to get younger, more YIMBY legislators elected. Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 11 Jan. 2026 Nearly 72% of censorship attempts in 2024 were initiated by pressure groups and decision makers who have been swayed by them. Jennifer Borresen, USA Today, 5 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pressure groups
Noun
  • Prior to her father's death in 1952, Princess Elizabeth lived a relatively quiet life, spending her teen years under the tutelage of her parents and fostering some of the interests that would become lifelong passions.
    Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 2026
  • Ahead of the meeting, Warsh disclosed financial interests exceeding $100 million.
    Zach Halaschak, The Washington Examiner, 21 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Public interest groups and some historians responded to the OLC memo with alarm.
    Austin Sarat, The Conversation, 14 Apr. 2026
  • Donations from individuals and some interest groups brought his account up to $335,000.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 6 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Very few lobbyists or special interests in Tallahassee gave Gregory a dime.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 15 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pressure groups.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pressure%20groups. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster