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 outShe was singled out for special treatment.
Examples of single out in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Independent Lens: Greener Pastures, along with Out of My Mind, Daughters and We Will Dance Again are the other recipients singled out by the Television Academy.
—
Lynette Rice, Deadline, 1 May 2025
In a sentencing memo for Azari, prosecutors singled out ExxonMobil, saying the company used news stories based on information stolen from activists as part of its defense against state climate investigations.
—Michael Copley
,
Russell Newlove, NPR, 30 Apr. 2025
Witness accounts At least three tourists who survived told the Associated Press that the gunmen singled out Hindu men and shot them at close range.
—Prabhjot Gill, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2025
That order singled out some Smithsonian Institution museums, including the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
—Deborah Barfield Berry, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for single out
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.
Lynette Rice, Deadline, 1 May 2025
In a sentencing memo for Azari, prosecutors singled out ExxonMobil, saying the company used news stories based on information stolen from activists as part of its defense against state climate investigations.
—Michael Copley
,
Russell Newlove, NPR, 30 Apr. 2025
Witness accounts At least three tourists who survived told the Associated Press that the gunmen singled out Hindu men and shot them at close range.
—Prabhjot Gill, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2025
That order singled out some Smithsonian Institution museums, including the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
—Deborah Barfield Berry, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for single out
Cite this Entry
“Single out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/single%20out. Accessed 7 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share