single out

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.
Its executive director, Richard Wexler, who takes no position on homeschooling, warns that singling out homeschoolers for special surveillance is neither fair nor effective. James R Mason, Hartford Courant, 12 May 2026 Among other things, ABC argued that it was being singled out for regulatory action while ignoring radio talk shows, which also are covered by the rule, and routinely feature candidates. Ted Johnson, Deadline, 11 May 2026 If a concord can be struck and the war brought to an end, UAE residents will be among those breathing the biggest sighs of relief after their country was singled out for Iranian attacks again this week while other Gulf states were spared. Dominic Dudley, semafor.com, 7 May 2026 Part of a shortlist of five finalists that included Betty Adii, Dzikra Afifah, Ipeh Nur and Mira Rizki, Suci was singled out by a jury comprising also curator Amanda Ariawan, gallerist Megan Arlin, collector Evelyn Halim and artist Melati Suryodarmo, in addition to Alemani and Lau. Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 7 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for single out

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Single out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/single%20out. Accessed 13 May. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster