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

This follows predictable patterns of delegitimizing Jews, denying them the right to self-determination, and singling out Israel for treatment applied to no other nation. —Moshe Davis, New York Daily News, 22 Feb. 2026

Similar to the Meta allegations in New Mexico, McCuskey singled out Apple’s encryption practices as an impedance to law enforcement. —Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 20 Feb. 2026

Yotova singled out the preparation of fair elections as the most important task of the new interim government. —Arkansas Online, 19 Feb. 2026

However, when public commentary shifts from expressing personal convictions to invoking conspiracy theories or singling out one religious community in dangerous ways that echo historical prejudice, the line has been crossed. —Bobby Zirkin, Baltimore Sun, 19 Feb. 2026

Rhymes for single out

• roundabout
• runabout
• sauerkraut
• thereabout
• turnabout
• about
• bailout
• blackout
• blowout
• breakout
• burnout
• buyout