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

There were theories that 007 First Light could slide in as one of the sleeper hits of 2026, and, at least critically, that idea seems to be panning out. —Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026

Except none of the latter would pan out as Franny (and the director’s teenage self) aspired to. —Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 25 May 2026

At the end, a giant Rodrigo picks up the hospital as the camera pans out to reveal that the hospital is a diorama and Rodrigo is in the process of moving. —Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 22 May 2026

Entertainment Studios, which was renamed Allen Media Group in 2020 to reflect the company’s growing ambitions, including some that haven’t panned out. —Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 22 May 2026