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.

FBI raids have fanned across the foothills, but none of them have borne fruit either.

From Slate • Feb. 23, 2026

LOS ANGELES—Every Friday for the past two months, nonprofit workers armed with iPads and clipboards have fanned out in South Los Angeles looking for immigrants living in the U.S. unlawfully.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 21, 2025

High winds and scorching temperatures have fanned the flames.

From BBC • Jul. 26, 2025

Bovino said hundreds of Border Patrol agents have fanned out and are on the ground in L.A. carrying out enforcement.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 15, 2025

In talks by the roadside, at the gate of his humble home, seated on the rocks that surround the spring, many a neighborhood dispute has been settled that prejudice could have fanned into a lawsuit.

From Sergeant York And His People by Cowan, Sam K. (Sam Kinkade)