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
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.
There are many remarkable scenes in Light Shop but Kim can single out two favorites, both of which are pivotal to the plot. Joan MacDonald, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024 As the meeting broke up, Astiz singled out 12 activists with a telltale kiss on the cheek, including three Mothers and two French activist nuns. Joshua Hammer, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Dec. 2024 But only Hindu Americans like Gabbard are being singled out as suspect of having dual loyalty to a foreign government. Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024 But there’s a reason to single out this scene in A Complete Unknown, James Mangold‘s do-look-back drama about Dylan’s early days and eventual ascension to reluctant, voice-of-a-generation messiah. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 10 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for single out 

Dictionary Entries Near single out

Cite this Entry

“Single out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/single%20out. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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