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.
The house, which had fallen into disrepair, was singled out as one of the most notable properties when the Jefferson-Seymour National Historic District was formed in 1979. Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 26 Apr. 2026 Reuters reported that the confidential communication singled out the Spanish government, suggesting it could be suspended from NATO, and that Spain and others might be blocked from top positions inside the alliance. Npr Staff, NPR, 25 Apr. 2026 Collins recommends the George IV, O'Henry, Rio Oso Gem, Suncrest, and Silver Logan for peaches, and singles out the Snow Queen nectarine for its balance of sweetness and acidity. Rachel Silva, Martha Stewart, 25 Apr. 2026 Citadel on Thursday rebuked Mamdani for singling out CEO Ken Griffin in his push for the tax. Robert Frank, CNBC, 24 Apr. 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 29 Apr. 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