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
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An ice dam occurs when the snow piled on your roof begins to melt from the sun or the heat radiating from your home.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
27 Jan. 2026 -
The classic, expensive-looking accessory instantly dresses up any outfit, with the intricate design radiating luxury and elegance.—
Kaelin Dodge,
InStyle,
17 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Gray matter consists of regions of nerve cell bodies and branching nerve fibers called dendrites, as well as points of connection between nerve cells.—
Christopher M. Filley,
The Conversation,
3 Feb. 2026
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Despite its branching shape, pencil cactus is a succulent that stores water in its stems, says Aviles.—
Michelle Mastro,
Martha Stewart,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Future versions are projected to extend driving range to around 310–372 miles (500–600 kilometers), expanding suitability beyond short-range applications.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Feb. 2026
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Bill Gates named in Epstein files Documents released from the Epstein files indicate that Gates and Epstein met repeatedly after Epstein's prison term to discuss expanding the Microsoft founder's philanthropic efforts.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
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In fact, extending the lives of the sick and elderly can impose net costs on society’s ledgers, costs which government regulatory analyses typically ignore.—
James Broughel,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
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The court said the injunction effectively amounted to a universal injunction by extending relief to a sweeping, uncertified class of protesters and observers.—
Kaelan Deese,
The Washington Examiner,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Co-writer and director Hill brings a unique lens to Reef’s wild but spiritually cleansing, nostalgic and eye-opening trip down memory lane, where confronting his past might be the only way to rescue his future.—
Justin Kroll,
Deadline,
3 Feb. 2026
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Sullivan first gained a following in Hartford after opening his BOP Coffee Roastery on Pratt Street in early 2024.—
Stephen Underwood,
Hartford Courant,
3 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The unfolding Jeffrey Epstein saga has galvanized the public for the breadth of its revelations into elite power, from the financial to the political, the cultural to the sociological.—
Gary Baum,
HollywoodReporter,
3 Feb. 2026
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The unfolding catastrophe has long been clear to the people who run Ukraine’s energy sector.—
Simon Shuster,
The Atlantic,
3 Feb. 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 9 Feb. 2026.
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