single out

Pick from many

To single out is to select one person or thing from a group for special attention or treatment, often negative: The teacher singled him out for criticism.

The phrase implies distinction from the rest—being separated from the crowd, whether for praise, blame, or scrutiny: Why am I being singled out?

select

choose

Select from alternatives

pickPointed breaking tool
identifyEstablish who or what
designateFormally select or name

handpick · name · nominate · appoint · earmark · tag · distinguish · recognize · specify · pinpoint

discriminate

target

Object of pursuit

scapegoatUnfairly blamed person
ostracizeExclude from a group
marginalizeTreat as insignificant

stigmatize · exclude · isolate · alienate · victimize · persecute · bully · pick on · blame · vilify

praise

honor

High regard, moral dignity

commendExpress approval of
recognizePerceive as known
acknowledgeConfirm receipt or truth

celebrate · applaud · laud · extol · distinguish · cite · mention · compliment · salute · credit

Categories

choiceschoice, choose, decide, decision, select
highlightemphasize, highlight, accentuate, underscore, underline
selection wordschoose, select, handpick, cherry-pick, cull
narrowing downnarrow, focus, pinpoint, zero in, home in
accusationsaccusation, accuse, accuser, allegation, allege
discoveryfind, finding, discovery, discover, uncovering

Opposites

selection vs. inclusion

single outgroup together

lump together · include · blend in · bunch together · combine

specificity vs. generalization

single outgeneralize

Make broadly applicable

overlook · ignore · pass over · disregard · gloss over

Family

single, out, singular, singles, singled, singularly, singularity, singling, singleton

Familiarity: Top 50,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Negative · Everyday, not technical · Rated G