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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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

The subject is of particular interest at CBS News, where Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss has repeatedly encouraged the network’s journalists to dedicate serious resources to finding a potential link.

— semafor.com, semafor.com, 19 Oct. 2026
Trump told Congress that the pause was in the national interest but gave no further details.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of interest

Noun

But interest groups nonetheless are focusing on court races in several states with a goal of positioning themselves for bigger races in 2028.

— ABC News, ABC News, 11 Oct. 2026
Unfortunately, the same forces that defeated previous permitting reform packages — primarily left-wing interest groups — are threatening to smother this legislation.

— Editorial Board, Washington Post, 8 Oct. 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 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of special interest

noun

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