special interest

noun

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

Examples of special interest in a Sentence

promised that as governor he would never be beholden to special interests
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Emily Pacheco is an associate director of undergraduate admissions at Case Western Reserve University and founder of the NACAC special interest group on AI. Brennan Barnard, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025 Corporate America's reaction to President Trump's tariffs has been muted so far, with many relying on trade associations or special interest groups to speak on their behalf. Eleanor Hawkins, Axios, 3 Apr. 2025 McMorris of California Common Cause said that has created a loophole for politicians and special interest groups to potentially engage in influence peddling and purchasing. Calmatters, Mercury News, 3 Apr. 2025 The race is technically nonpartisan but has become a de facto partisan contest, with millions of dollars flooding in from billionaire donors and outside special interest groups. Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 31 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for special interest

Word History

First Known Use

1906, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of special interest was in 1906

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Special interest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/special%20interest. Accessed 10 Apr. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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