Synonyms of pan out

pan out

verb

1

as in to prove

to come to be

the eagerly anticipated kayaking trip never panned out

Synonyms & Similar Words

• prove
• fall out
• evolve
• shake out
• come out
• turn out
• develop
• emerge
• play out
• unfold
• work out
• germinate

2

as in to succeed

to turn out as planned or desired

the investment scheme didn't quite pan out

Synonyms & Similar Words

• succeed
• go
• bear fruit
• go over
• click
• work out
• deliver the goods
• catch fire
• come off
• deliver
• do the trick
• go like clockwork
• catch on
• flourish
• prosper
• thrive
• cook
• percolate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• strike out
• wash out
• fail
• miss
• founder
• fold
• collapse
• bomb
• struggle
• flop
• languish
• flunk
• decline
• slip
• flounder
• sink
• skid
• slump
• fall down
• crack up
• wane
• crumble
• go under
• choke
• crash
• flame out
• miscarry
• crater
• implode
• misfire
• self-destruct

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of pan out

In this second story, Whitehead pans out from considering the identity of his hero to asking what a whole city is all about. — David Hajdu, The Atlantic, 16 July 2026

Already large clinical trials are testing if certain drugs could prevent or at least delay the disease — and if any of those pan out, doctors will need an easy way to tell who should try them. — ABC News, 15 July 2026

Dalí’s wife Gala was a tarot reader, so perhaps this is one of the reasons why he was drawn to the project even after the film commission didn’t pan out. — Literary Hub, 13 July 2026

Here’s what else to know about the two-day draft and how recent Sox and Cubs draft picks have panned out. — Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026