special interest

Definition of special interestnext
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

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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 interest Other opponents argue that special interests such as the oil and gas industry should not be protected by the state constitution. — Noelle Phillips, Denver Post, 3 Oct. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for special interest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for special interest
Noun
  • The project signals Meta’s growing interest in humanoid hardware, but questions remain about the robots’ ability to perform complex household tasks and operate safely around people.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Meanwhile, Rodríguez is already signaling an interest in working with Washington, despite some of her public rhetoric, tapping former opposition aide Oliver Blanco as foreign minister.
    — Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 2 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Worried by the trends at California campuses, two major higher education interest groups prioritized the issue.
    — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Today, lobbying has grown into a multibillion-dollar industry and business now outspends labor and public-interest groups 34-to-one.
    — Christopher Marquis, Time, 16 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Special interest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/special%20interest. Accessed 6 Nov. 2026.

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