special interest
Americannoun
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a political or economic stake in something.
Japan had a special interest in the South China Sea.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of special interest
An Americanism dating back to 1785–90
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“That sort of thing to get away from special interest groups having an ax to grind then and then, abusing the corporate governance process for their ends,” he said.
From Los Angeles Times • May 5, 2026
It may all also be of special interest to the millions more who are over 50, or 55, and who are thinking of retiring — or hoping to — in the reasonably near future.
From MarketWatch • Feb. 5, 2026
Benefit Street focuses on deals involving U.S.-based commercial and multifamily residential assets, with a special interest in locations in low- or no-tax states such as Florida, Texas and Tennessee.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 8, 2026
Kiros has refused donations from corporate PACs and special interest groups in her campaign.
From Salon • Dec. 15, 2025
The PTA began a paper drive and took a special interest in Christmas wrappings.
From "Snow Falling on Cedars: A Novel" by David Guterson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
