SPECIAL INTEREST Synonyms: 5 Similar Words

special interest

noun

Definition of special interest

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

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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 In typical Baltimore County Council fashion, most of those exemptions resulted from individual council members doing the bidding of special interests without regard to the public interest. — David Plymyer, Baltimore Sun, 13 Aug. 2026 Kelly has spent his career as a lobbyist representing special interests. — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026 Enterprise clients take special interest in knowing who’s going to show up when things get complicated. — Agustín Guerra, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026 But Hogg pointed instead to special interests and corporations that have long held sway over both dominant American political parties. — Michel Martin, NPR, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for special interest

Recent Examples of Synonyms for special interest

Noun

The merch trend suits a tech industry that has started to show more interest in cultural signifiers over the last few years.

— T.M. Brown, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026
Earlier in the season, a multi-inning outing for Pintaro, who has attracted interest from other teams over the past couple of years, would’ve meant a trip back to Triple A; the Mets would’ve needed to swap him for a fresh pitcher.

— Will Sammon, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of interest

Noun

Both proposals are undergoing review and debate among the city’s policymakers, who are getting an earful from the various interest groups.

— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026
Lawmakers influenced by opposing interest groups have failed to reach a consensus.

— Constance Malleret, Christian Science Monitor, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of interest group

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“Special interest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/special%20interest. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of special interest

noun

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