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
-
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
-
The Israeli government and military have said forces will remain in a buffer zone that spans the countries' border and extends at least six miles into Lebanese territory, and that residents will not be allowed to return home, until the Hezbollah threat is removed.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
28 Apr. 2026
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The decision also extends to OPEC+, a larger group that consists of other oil producers such as Russia.—
Hanna Ziady,
CNN Money,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The rest of the property radiates outwards from here, incorporating four restaurants, rooms and suites spread across a number of individual low-rise blocks, the Conrad Spa, and meeting and events space.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
27 Apr. 2026
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Symptoms differ from strokes caused by a blockage in the brain, as a spinal stroke causes pain in the neck or back that radiates through the limbs, muscle weakness or numbness, incontinence and loss of sensation, such as feeling touch or temperature changes.—
Cara Lynn Shultz,
PEOPLE,
17 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Here, the traditional expectations of a five-star stay are softened into something more personal—where time expands, space breathes, and every detail is designed to feel intuitive rather than imposed.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
1 May 2026
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On top of bringing hundreds of new jobs to the Marion County community, Equestrian Manor expands the options for events — with spaces available for weddings, meetings and other gatherings.—
Amy Drew Thompson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
1 May 2026
Verb
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Removing all parts of the roots and stems is important to prevent regrowth.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
26 Apr. 2026
-
This is because squash plants produce prickly leaves and stems that rabbits dislike.—
Samantha Johnson,
Martha Stewart,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The race unfolds as the district confronts a superintendent under FBI investigation, declining enrollment, a potential strike and ongoing academic recovery from the pandemic.—
Howard Blume,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Apr. 2026
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Streep’s second go-round, by contrast, unfolds as a series of micro-indignities—a plunge from her Olympian perch, one stumble at a time.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
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At Vato, in Park Slope—which, blessedly, opens at seven in the morning—the tortillas are thin and rich, with chewy interiors and a flaky, blistered outside from the heat of the flattop.—
Helen Rosner,
New Yorker,
3 May 2026
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Policy shift opens unexpected door In January 2026, the administration changed its policy for R‑1 visa holders.—
Ken Molestina,
CBS News,
2 May 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 3 May. 2026.
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