fan out
Spread in rays
Fan out means to spread from a central point, like the ribs of a hand fan opening.
People fan out when they disperse to cover more ground: The search party fanned out across the hillside.
Cards fan out when spread in an arc.
The phrase suggests orderly expansion rather than scattering randomly.
Spread open from closed
- unfurlSpread out from rolled
- splaySpread outward ungainly
- extendMake longer or larger
- deployPosition for use
widen · open · flare · unroll · sprawl · bloom · blossom · flower
Distribute in random directions
- separateTo set apart
- distributeDivide and deliver
- break upEnd a relationship
- divideSeparate into parts
split up · decentralize · dissipate · diffuse · partition · disband · relocate · disperse
Division or woody limb
- forkTined eating tool
- bifurcateDivide into two branches
- splitSeparation into parts
- radiateSend forth rays
ramify · subdivide · separate · part · veer · angle · divide · spray
Toothed grooming implement
- canvassSeek opinions systematically
- sweepBrush clean with broom
- scourClean by hard rubbing
- cover groundTravel or accomplish much
reconnoiter · patrol · scout · survey · explore · investigate · blanket · range
unfold
Spread open from closed
deploy · widen · open · flare · unroll · sprawl · bloom · blossom · flower · display
scatter
Distribute in random directions
- separateTo set apart
- distributeDivide and deliver
- break upEnd a relationship
divide · split up · decentralize · dissipate · diffuse · partition · disband · relocate · disperse · spread thin
branch
Division or woody limb
radiate · ramify · subdivide · separate · part · veer · angle · divide · spray · emanate
comb
Toothed grooming implement
cover ground · reconnoiter · patrol · scout · survey · explore · investigate · blanket · range · hunt
- growthgrowth, grow, growing, growth rate, increase
- expansionexpand, spread, broaden, widen, extend
- dividing and givingdistribute, allocate, divide, give, share
- Dance Formationsline, circle, square, diagonal, triangle
- semiconductorssilicon, semiconductor, semiconductors, silicon wafers, transistor