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

The governor did not single out the judge by name, but his comments were in response to a ruling issued by U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams on Friday that blocked prosecutors and police from enforcing the new state law for 14 days. —Ana Ceballos, Miami Herald, 7 Apr. 2025

In March, Morgan Stanley singled out the stock as one of its top picks. —Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 5 Apr. 2025

But a recent White House executive order singled out one. —Elizabeth Blair, NPR, 2 Apr. 2025

Add to that distinguishing features, such as above-average age or height, that person can be singled out from within their community. —Abigail Dubiniecki, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025

Rhymes for single out

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