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

So much of one’s experience at a restaurant is contextual, dependent on the arc and flow of a meal, and singling out any one specific creation or sensory experience forces me to take stock in a more granular, almost animalistic way. —Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 14 Dec. 2025

But people critical of the effective altruism movement have increasingly singled out the new organization in unsubtle ways. —Max Tani, semafor.com, 8 Dec. 2025

With that being said, Kerr spoke out recently and singled out two players with pointed criticism. —Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2025

The former Bishop Miege standout also singled out what transpired before halftime, late in the opening half, when KU embarked on its decisive run. —Maddie Hartley, Kansas City Star, 7 Dec. 2025

Rhymes for single out

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