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.
California taxpayers will be watching to see if HSR’s special interest supporters try to repurpose other state funds to keep the high-speed rail project on life support. Jon Coupal, Orange County Register, 15 Feb. 2025 Musk has also taken a special interest in Germany, where Tesla has one of its gigafactories. John Hyatt, Forbes, 14 Feb. 2025 Email Powered by Salesforce Marketing Cloud (Privacy Notice / Terms & Conditions) Alice George | | READ MORE Alice George, Ph.D. is an independent historian with a special interest in America during the 1960s. Alice George, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Feb. 2025 Despite the criticisms from the usual special interests — i.e., teachers unions — school choice enjoys strong public support. Juan Rangel, Twin Cities, 22 Jan. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Special interest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/special%20interest. Accessed 6 Mar. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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