1
as in spreading (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 radiating
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 fanning (out)
Verb
-
Some designs add a pattern of reflective material to the outer shell to keep heat from radiating out into the cold air.—
Longji Cui,
The Conversation,
26 Dec. 2025 -
Doherty is radiating positive energy.—
Lily Ford,
HollywoodReporter,
23 Dec. 2025
Verb
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The branching story will explore a galactic conspiracy, revealing that humanity's development has been influenced by dark powers beyond our comprehension.—
Alan Bradley,
Space.com,
5 Jan. 2026
-
Tiny leaves and a dense branching habit give boxwood a strong visual presence in any landscape.—
Megan Hughes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
31 Dec. 2025
Verb
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Last summer, her Hulu documentary Call Her Alex premiered, and she's also spent the year expanding her Unwell Hydration beverage line with new caffeinated beverages.—
Tabitha Parent,
PEOPLE,
12 Jan. 2026
-
Backed by nearly $180 billion in venture capital and rapid growth in AI, fintech, and health tech, the sector is expanding New York’s tax base, attracting top talent, and fueling long-term economic growth.—
Julie Samuels,
New York Daily News,
11 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Motorola devices will follow, with over-the-air updates extending support over time.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Keeping your right knee slightly bent, perform the deadlift by bending at the hip, extending your left leg behind you for balance.—
Greg Presto,
Outside,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Per his release, the rapper must follow strict guidelines for the next five years, such as no alcohol, drug testing, and federal supervision when opening bank accounts.—
Alejandra Gularte,
Vulture,
9 Jan. 2026
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But a landmark land claims settlement in 1980 exempted Maine from federal Indian gaming laws, which has prevented the tribes from opening casinos on their lands.—
Center Square,
The Washington Examiner,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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At the same time that the murders are unfolding, a traumatic incident from Anna's past resurfaces as a possible motive.—
Caroline Blair,
PEOPLE,
10 Jan. 2026
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The Spa Much of the 5,773-square-foot spa is outdoors, unfolding around tropical gardens inspired by the flora and fauna found in El Yunque National Forest.—
Amber Kallor,
Travel + Leisure,
10 Jan. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Fanning (out).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fanning%20%28out%29. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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