Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The anticipated mega-IPOs of SpaceX, Anthropic and OpenAI are fanning private equity’s hopes that initial public offerings will once again be a viable exit path for the industry’s nearly 33,000 unsold businesses.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 1, 2026

"People who are donating money are causing the problem of animal cruelty here, because they keep on fuelling it, they are fanning the fire," says Kakooza.

From BBC • May 3, 2026

Some of the operatives who helped state Rep. Zohran Mamdani secure the Democratic nomination for mayor in New York City are fanning out to assist like-minded Democrats in their own races.

From Salon • Sep. 24, 2025

Cabinet officials are fanning out nationwide to promote the administration’s economic message.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 27, 2022

“How on earth are you going to change men’s hearts when the newspapers are fanning hate into them every day?”

From "Native Son" by Richard Wright