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

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 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 In the film, Pattinson’s Hansen takes a special interest in Gisondo’s Dan, taking him out to dinner, giving him advice, coaching him on set, and serving as a surrogate father. — Samantha Bergeson, Vanity Fair, 24 Sep. 2026 That includes Jack Spencer, one of Coco’s employees who takes a special interest in Charles’ investigation. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 23 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for special interest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for special interest
Noun
  • Edmond and fellow applicant Jessica Thibodeaux attended the meeting, and each addressed the council to discuss their background and interest in civic service.
    — Randy Moll, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Lula accused the Bolsonaro family of aligning itself with US interests at Brazil’s expense, while Flávio rejected the charge and criticized Lula’s foreign policy.
    — Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Special interest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/special%20interest. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster