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 outShe was singled out for special treatment.
Examples of single out in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Part of the reason is that Target has been singled out for rolling back its DEI program at the beginning of the year, and a group of Black faith leaders called for a boycott of the retailer during the 40-day Lent period leading up to Easter.
—
Megan Poinski, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
The task force has singled out UCLA, USC and UC Berkeley in addition to Harvard and six other U.S. campuses for investigations.
—Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 28 May 2025
Izzy Gardon, a spokesperson for Gov. Gavin Newsom, said the CIF had adopted the policy before Trump singled out the state in his post.
—Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 27 May 2025
Experts encourage anyone feeling unfulfilled in their social life to focus on deepening their friendships rather than singling out a best friend.
—Seraphina Seow, Vogue, 27 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for single out
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Megan Poinski, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
The task force has singled out UCLA, USC and UC Berkeley in addition to Harvard and six other U.S. campuses for investigations.
—Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 28 May 2025
Izzy Gardon, a spokesperson for Gov. Gavin Newsom, said the CIF had adopted the policy before Trump singled out the state in his post.
—Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 27 May 2025
Experts encourage anyone feeling unfulfilled in their social life to focus on deepening their friendships rather than singling out a best friend.
—Seraphina Seow, Vogue, 27 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for single out
Cite this Entry
“Single out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/single%20out. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.
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