1
2
as in to succeed
to turn out as planned or desired
the investment scheme didn't quite pan out
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of pan out
By July of 2025, Asymmetric’s liquid fund had lost significant value, leading McCann to funnel investors into a new venture that failed to pan out.
—
Jack Kubinec, Fortune, 16 Apr. 2026
Though her political aspirations didn’t ultimately pan out, Ortega went on to find success in the entertainment industry by landing roles as early as 12, appearing on Jane the Virgin and Stuck in the Middle.
—Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 11 Apr. 2026
Whether those lawsuits pan out is a separate question.
—Torie Bosch, STAT, 11 Apr. 2026
So far, that theory has panned out.
—Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 9 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pan out
Jack Kubinec, Fortune, 16 Apr. 2026
Though her political aspirations didn’t ultimately pan out, Ortega went on to find success in the entertainment industry by landing roles as early as 12, appearing on Jane the Virgin and Stuck in the Middle.
—Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 11 Apr. 2026
Whether those lawsuits pan out is a separate question.
—Torie Bosch, STAT, 11 Apr. 2026
So far, that theory has panned out.
—Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 9 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pan out
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pan out
Verb
-
But my curiosity proved stronger than my nay-saying.—
Rachel Syme,
New Yorker,
8 May 2026
-
The agency noted that criminal charges are allegations and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.—
Jasmine Baehr,
FOXNews.com,
8 May 2026
Verb
-
Chesney echoed the sentiment, saying building on the intensity and development from the spring, rather than starting again during the summer, will be key to the Bruins succeeding during the season.—
Sean Campbell,
Los Angeles Times,
3 May 2026
-
This relativist turn in anthropology gained ground in succeeding decades, as the discipline became ever more attentive to the specificity of cultures, and increasingly wary of universal claims about the human condition.—
Glenn Adamson,
Artforum,
2 May 2026
Verb
-
These were all things the Storm should have been celebrating afterward, but yet, for the second week in a row, the coaches and players will be headed back to the film room to figure out what went wrong.—
Chris Hays,
The Orlando Sentinel,
4 May 2026
-
Player of the Week Senior pitcher Jaelynn Anthony goes 4-for-5 for Oswego with three homers, a double and seven RBIs in 14-6 win over Minooka.—
Rick Armstrong,
Chicago Tribune,
4 May 2026
Verb
-
The tall mules are held in place by a wide toe strap that goes over the vamp creating an open, peep toe-like design.—
Karla Rodriguez,
Footwear News,
4 May 2026
-
The news might not go over well with residents, despite the urgent need for affordable housing.—
Susannah Bryan,
Sun Sentinel,
4 May 2026
Verb
-
To read the results of previous reader polls, click here.—
Baltimore Sun staff,
Baltimore Sun,
3 May 2026
-
August 23 – September 22 A broader perspective helps something click into place today.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
2 May 2026
Verb
-
El-Ahmad addressed Fitz in the context of other players who have not worked out across his four-plus transfer windows in Minnesota, including center back Victor Eriksson and midfielders Matus Kmet and Hoyeon Jung.—
Andy Greder,
Twin Cities,
7 May 2026
-
Plus, there are technical issues to work out before a full-scale energy transition can be made.—
IEEE Spectrum,
IEEE Spectrum,
7 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pan out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pan%20out. Accessed 10 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
