as in interest
a group of people with a common identifying interest that they seek to protect and promote
promised that as governor he would never be beholden to special interests
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 special interest
In addition to large sums donated to campaign accounts, groups with a special interest in California policy can also provide gifts to lawmakers and fly them to conferences or to learn about policies of other countries.
—
Kate Wolffe, Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 2025
There's special interest in the effect of the National Guard, which don't have direct policing powers.
—Martin Kaste, NPR, 2 Oct. 2025
In her record-breaking guest spot on New Heights that same month, the superstar and her future brother-in-law discussed one of her special interests, numerology — which seems to have made an impact on Jason, who contemplated Travis’ new age on their show Wednesday.
—Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 1 Oct. 2025
Putting it simply, the residents and my community are my only special interest.
—Miami Herald Staff, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for special interest
Kate Wolffe, Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 2025
There's special interest in the effect of the National Guard, which don't have direct policing powers.
—Martin Kaste, NPR, 2 Oct. 2025
In her record-breaking guest spot on New Heights that same month, the superstar and her future brother-in-law discussed one of her special interests, numerology — which seems to have made an impact on Jason, who contemplated Travis’ new age on their show Wednesday.
—Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 1 Oct. 2025
Putting it simply, the residents and my community are my only special interest.
—Miami Herald Staff, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for special interest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for special interest
Noun
-
Delany, who was ousted in August from HHS, said Kennedy has expressed strong interest in chemtrails.—
Stephanie Armour,
CNN Money,
16 Oct. 2025
-
The money was not invested as promised and was instead used to make interest payments to previous investors, pay business expenses and on the defendants, the indictment alleges.—
City News Service,
Oc Register,
16 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Vought was instrumental in turning Heritage Action into the interest group that congressional Republicans feared most.—
Andy Kroll,
New Yorker,
17 Oct. 2025
-
So, yeah, there are losers in the process, and, throughout history, elites and interest groups have sought to block creative destruction.—
NPR,
NPR,
14 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Special interest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/special%20interest. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share