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
-
According to Academy rules, the number of nominees in each category is determined by the volume of submissions, with the field expanding to a sixth lead or supporting nominee only once entries cross the 80-submission threshold.—
Michael Schneider,
Variety,
12 June 2026 -
While Londontown seeks a corporate manager for its rapidly-expanding surveillance regime, Palantir continues to bully its way to good business.—
Joe Wilkins,
Futurism,
11 June 2026
Verb
-
In one engraving from van Deventer’s manual, his arm is shown inserted into an empty uterus almost up to the elbow, the engraver’s close, texturing lines transforming his hand into a radiating light within a cavernous female darkness.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
16 June 2026
-
Argus consists of 20 modular telescoping legs radiating from a central body.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
9 June 2026
Verb
-
The Orioles made those big moves in signing Pete Alonso and trading for and extending Shane Baz.—
Stephen J. Nesbitt,
New York Times,
16 June 2026
-
Different genes for different cytokines, growth factors or other proteins could be swapped in to target specific diseases of the ocular surface, potentially extending the approach beyond corneal wounds to chronic inflammatory conditions.—
Samantha Agate,
Charlotte Observer,
16 June 2026
Verb
-
Despite Wollny's success here, developers are considering branching these legacy drivers so Mesa can continue to be developed without risking breaking older cards that don't support newer features.—
Jon Martindale,
PC Magazine,
9 June 2026
-
Pinching back is a technique to encourage annual plants with a branching form to send out more growth and produce fuller, bushier plants and more flowers.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
28 May 2026
Verb
-
Lionel Messi was inches from opening the scoring in Kansas City with just about five minutes gone.—
The Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
17 June 2026
-
The Iranian men’s soccer team’s quick departure from Los Angeles following its opening World Cup match was always the plan, according to the US government, despite complaints from the team.—
Kyle Feldscher,
CNN Money,
16 June 2026
Verb
-
It can’t really even be argued that this is a game unfolding between two adults.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 June 2026
-
The Aftermath will air July 16 and will feature three conversations to cover the unfolding scandal since the reunion taping.—
Jackie Strause,
HollywoodReporter,
10 June 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 17 Jun. 2026.
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