single out

phrasal verb

singled out; singling out; singles out
: to treat or to speak about (someone or something in a group) in a way that is different from the way one treats or speaks about others
The coach singled out the players who played poorly.
The reviewer singled her performance out for praise/criticism.
often used as (be) singled out
She was singled out for special treatment.

Examples of single out in a Sentence

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.
Still, the administration’s policies have specifically singled out wind energy as persona non grata. Yaël Ossowski, Boston Herald, 26 Oct. 2025 In a note to employees posted publicly on Thursday, Vena further defended the deal, and its implications on the wider railroad industry, by singling out the trucking industry. Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 24 Oct. 2025 The penalties must be dragged into the sunlight because they will soon be singled out as a reason for a loss. Troy Renck, Denver Post, 23 Oct. 2025 Continue reading … EDITOR'S NOTE – Top Israeli journalist singles out NY Times for its coverage of Hamas war. FOXNews.com, 21 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for single out

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Cite this Entry

“Single out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/single%20out. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

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