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

Elon Musk gets a warm welcome from Republicans During his speech, Trump singled out the billionaire SpaceX founder who has become a central figure in the Administration’s effort to reshape the federal government. —Nik Popli, TIME, 5 Mar. 2025

In an email sent to staff, Dudek singled out firing probationary workers as one of his personal achievements. —Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 28 Feb. 2025

Condé Nast singled out the striking multi-colored stonework on the buildings at the center of campus, which resemble mosaic artwork from afar. —Adam Tamburin, Axios, 27 Feb. 2025

Benson and Moorhead also singled out a fight that comes at the end of Episode 2, directed by Michael Cuesta. —Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 26 Feb. 2025

Rhymes for single out

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