1
as in to stretch (out)
to arrange the parts of (something) over a wider area
the accordionist smoothly fanned out the bellows of his instrument as he played
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to radiate
to extend outwards from or as if from a central point
most of the city's subway lines fan out from this central station
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fan (out)
Verb
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Olive Nwosu's debut feature radiates a restless, pulsing energy — both through the thrum of Lagos and the courage of its women.—
Teresa Xie,
NPR,
20 Feb. 2026 -
Air isn't as efficient as water or steam for storing and radiating heat.—
Lee Wallender,
The Spruce,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Taylor Whitehill added 13 points, while Avery Lanore scored 12 and Maddie Schneider scored 11 for the Mustangs, who took control in the first half, outscoring the Pirates 27-17 and extending the advantage in the second half.—
Pioneer Press,
Twin Cities,
25 Feb. 2026
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The bank was more aggressive in extending credit and slower to liquidate its positions.—
Liz Hoffman,
semafor.com,
25 Feb. 2026
Verb
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This slow-growing cactus has a cluster of branching columns that resemble the turrets of a tiny castle, hence its name.—
Leanne Potts,
Better Homes & Gardens,
19 Feb. 2026
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Szeto sees the potential for crossovers, with AAG providing an opening to activewear for fashion brands and AAG’s current customer base able to branch into other fashion categories.—
Sarah Jones,
Sourcing Journal,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Oseguera was the leader and co-founder of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel, a criminal group that has rapidly expanded its influence in recent years, becoming one of the main traffickers of methamphetamine and fentanyl into the US.—
Gonzalo Zegarra,
CNN Money,
24 Feb. 2026
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Future Publishing | Future Publishing | Getty Images Four years of war between Russia and Ukraine are beginning to take their toll on the countries' demographics as the conflict puts women off — or prevents them — from starting or expanding their families.—
Holly Ellyatt,
CNBC,
24 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Gables Estates has increasingly drawn attention as wealth continues flowing into South Florida.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
20 Feb. 2026
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The perception problem While filler words can help conversations flow, research suggests overusing them may signal uncertainty or a shaky command of the material (or language in general).—
Angela Haupt,
Time,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Its name derives from bundles of its tough stems, which were used in Europe by butchers to remove meat and fat from wooden chopping blocks.—
Joshua Siskin,
Oc Register,
21 Feb. 2026
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Kratom is derived from the leaves of a tree found in Southeast Asia.—
Kevin Rennie,
Hartford Courant,
21 Feb. 2026
Verb
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That’s why countries around the world agreed in December 2025 to add more than 70 shark and ray species to an international wildlife trade treaty’s list for full or partial protection.—
Gareth J. Fraser,
The Conversation,
12 Dec. 2025
Verb
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Known for producing first-round draft picks as pitchers, Harvard-Westlake has assembled a group of hitters this season that looks capable of producing lots of offense after a season-opening 15-1 win over Southlake (Texas) Carroll on Thursday at O’Malley Family Field.—
Eric Sondheimer,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Feb. 2026
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The backstory Cascada is a brand-new hotel and spa that opened in early 2025.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
20 Feb. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Fan (out).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fan%20%28out%29. Accessed 25 Feb. 2026.
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