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 -
Educational institutions, workforce agencies, employers, libraries, and community organizations each play an important role in expanding access to these capabilities.—
Michael Edmondson,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
Verb
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This process is currently being pursued for areas like the physics of energy radiating through the atmosphere, sea ice cover, and ocean circulation.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
8 June 2026
-
Insulate sun-facing walls and garage doors to block heat from radiating inside.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
2 June 2026
Verb
-
The original 1900 barn has been expanded into a five-bedroom, open-plan home with decks extending from both levels and a 25-foot-tall great room topped by a loft with wood railings.—
The Week US,
TheWeek,
8 June 2026
-
Right fielder Jung Hoo Lee stayed white-hot by extending his MLB-leading hitting streak to 15 games with an opposite-field RBI single in the top of the first.—
Justice delos Santos,
Mercury News,
8 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
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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
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The prosecution and defense both waived their right to opening statements in the sentencing phase.—
Doug Myers,
CBS News,
10 June 2026
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The shame of opening the door to them in my filthy pajamas, of letting them into an apartment that had not been cleaned or aired for days.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 June 2026
Verb
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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 16 Jun. 2026.
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