1
as in stretches (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 branches
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 fans (out)
Verb
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His demise, paired with the disappearance of mobster-type Nicky Caccimelio (Bobby Cannavale), sets the trio on the first phase of their adventures, which inevitably branches into fresh red herrings in customary Only Murders fashion.—
Nicholas Quah,
Vulture,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Hardware proven beyond Earth That validation already extends into space.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Jan. 2026
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But for his dad and mom, the pride in Carson extends far beyond statistics and endorsements.—
Nasha Smith,
PEOPLE,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Ethereally beautiful, with platinum hair, Fastvold radiates calm, a complement to Seyfried’s quicksilver curiosity, though both women have about them an inspiring clarity.—
Claire Messud,
Vogue,
8 Jan. 2026
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When a fire begins in a room without ventilation, the heat radiates downward, eventually engulfing all combustible items in its path, causing a flashover, per NFPA.—
Melina Khan,
USA Today,
2 Jan. 2026
Verb
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This foldable tote bag packs flat, expands instantly, and can carry souvenirs, beach gear, or laundry.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Nov. 2025
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That's how the music conveys that, expands it.—
Gerrad Hall,
Entertainment Weekly,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Leaving broken branches and stems in place potentially makes branch damage worse, allows bark to tear further, and leaves plants more exposed to diseases and winter winds.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 Jan. 2026
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Now is the time to prune back stems to create a uniform, fuller shape and promote branching for more flowers next season.—
Barbara Gillette,
The Spruce,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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As this event unfolds, its historic potential hangs heavy in the air.—
Briana Waxman,
CNN Money,
10 Nov. 2025
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Much of this lovely, cerebral film unfolds in a cozy Manhattan high-rise, a Christmas tree twinkling in the background as snow falls outside.—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Unlike flip-style Razr models, this device opens outward into a tablet-like form factor built for productivity and immersive media.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
7 Jan. 2026
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Season 10 opens in the shadow of a devastating explosion, with the women left to pick up the pieces.—
Okla Jones,
Essence,
6 Jan. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Fans (out).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fans%20%28out%29. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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