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
With Goddard based in a Democratic state under a Republican administration, many there feel as though the space center is being singled out.
—
Josh Dinner, Space.com, 31 Oct. 2025
Businesses were also singled out for their success at the event.
—Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 29 Oct. 2025
Republicans also singled out senior aides Anthony Bernal and Annie Tomasini, who similarly pleaded the Fifth.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 28 Oct. 2025
Still, the administration’s policies have specifically singled out wind energy as persona non grata.
—Yaël Ossowski, Boston Herald, 26 Oct. 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.
Josh Dinner, Space.com, 31 Oct. 2025
Businesses were also singled out for their success at the event.
—Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 29 Oct. 2025
Republicans also singled out senior aides Anthony Bernal and Annie Tomasini, who similarly pleaded the Fifth.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 28 Oct. 2025
Still, the administration’s policies have specifically singled out wind energy as persona non grata.
—Yaël Ossowski, Boston Herald, 26 Oct. 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 4 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share