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

Despite the significant investment, Cousins’ tenure in Atlanta failed to pan out, with the team releasing him on March 11. —Fisher Isbell, AJC.com, 3 June 2026

If the industry pans out, the company says there’s the potential for collecting millions of tons a year. —Harry Stevens, New York Times, 3 June 2026

And according to a 2026 Stanford University report, based on a sample of 28 CEOs, moonshot pay doesn’t typically pan out. —Bloomberg, Mercury News, 2 June 2026

Nothing panned out until late last year. —Julia Coin may 29, Charlotte Observer, 29 May 2026