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
Three energy companies were among the top 10 highest-spending special interest groups in the state, collectively spending over $2 million to advocate for their interests.
—
Gary Collins, Baltimore Sun, 10 Jan. 2025
House Republicans are abdicating their responsibility to the American people and siding with billionaires and special interests.
—Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024
All around the world, special interests fought to ensure these subsidies would remain and grow.
—Wal Van Lierop, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
Though still rare in America, the model reflects the striking idea that fundamental problems of politics—polarization, apathy, manipulation by special interests—can be transformed through radically direct democracy.
—Nick Romeo, The New Yorker, 31 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for special interest 
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.
Gary Collins, Baltimore Sun, 10 Jan. 2025
House Republicans are abdicating their responsibility to the American people and siding with billionaires and special interests.
—Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024
All around the world, special interests fought to ensure these subsidies would remain and grow.
—Wal Van Lierop, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
Though still rare in America, the model reflects the striking idea that fundamental problems of politics—polarization, apathy, manipulation by special interests—can be transformed through radically direct democracy.
—Nick Romeo, The New Yorker, 31 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for special interest
Dictionary Entries Near special interest
Cite this Entry
“Special interest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/special%20interest. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share