special interests

plural of special interest
as in interests
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

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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 interests Decades of one-party control and political protectionism have turned our schools into a system that works for special interests instead of kids. Suzette Valladares, Oc Register, 27 Oct. 2025 Off-cycle elections also increase costs and amplify the influence of special interests. Pioneer Press Elections Team, Twin Cities, 16 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 These reforms are essential to earning back the trust of working people, everyday people in our country, to know that the policy solutions that Congress is passing are done in their best interest only, not because of donors or special interests. Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Sep. 2025 The special interests in state capitals fight ferociously against property tax relief. Stephen Moore, Boston Herald, 19 Sep. 2025 In those races, there are independent expenditures that include developers, unions and other special interests. Van Schoales, Denver Post, 9 Sep. 2025 Speaking broadly about Miami City Hall, Voccola said he can’t be bought by special interests. Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2025 Passion-Driven Practice and Lifelong Learning One of the hallmarks of autism is the presence of ‘special interests,’ defined as intense, focused passions that can last a lifetime. Alison Escalante, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for special interests
Noun
  • This has given the conflict a religious coloration, and political elites have also chosen to politicize the conflict to negotiate power and other interests, which has complicated the problem.
    Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Best Gifts for Teens When looking for gifts for teens, consider products that align with their interests and passions, such as a practical bucket hat inspired by their favorite K-pop show or a fun crochet kit.
    Anja Webb, Parents, 6 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Before that happens, the officeholders and various interest groups may have to whittle down the list.
    Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Nov. 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
Noun
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Special interests.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/special%20interests. Accessed 12 Nov. 2025.

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