special interest

noun

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

Synonyms of special interest

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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.
An agreement can spare those special interests multi-million dollar fights to win over voters. — Evelyn Ronan, Sacbee.com, 23 June 2026 Mark, too, has always lived in Iowa and had many professions that required a special interest in people. — Alex Zietlow july 1, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2026 That means candidates would be less beholden to special interests since no money is needed for a primary campaign. — Paul Haughey, Mercury News, 27 June 2026 Supporters of the change counter that the governor — who has to answer to a broad base of interests — would be less susceptible to education special interest groups, including teachers unions. — Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026 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

Rhymes for special interest

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Browse Nearby Words

special injunction
special interest
specialisation
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Cite this Entry

“Special interest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/special%20interest. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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