1
as in proved
to come to be
the eagerly anticipated kayaking trip never panned out
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in succeeded
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 panned out
The wideout participated in rookie camps with the Chiefs, Saints, and Colts, but nothing panned out.
—
Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 26 Apr. 2026
Not a lot has panned out, though, this time around.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026
So far, that theory has panned out.
—Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 9 Apr. 2026
Various industries have come into the region over the years and made grand promises that never panned out.
—Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2026
That finally panned out with Red Rooster.
—Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 20 Mar. 2026
In this particular case, the group in question has previously produced three results each claiming the discovery of a fifth force and hints of a novel particle, but none of them panned out.
—Big Think, 19 Mar. 2026
The pilot never panned out, but their high school romance did.
—Jack Crosbie, Rolling Stone, 17 Mar. 2026
Regime change hasn’t panned out.
—Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 13 Mar. 2026
Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 26 Apr. 2026
Not a lot has panned out, though, this time around.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026
So far, that theory has panned out.
—Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 9 Apr. 2026
Various industries have come into the region over the years and made grand promises that never panned out.
—Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2026
That finally panned out with Red Rooster.
—Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 20 Mar. 2026
In this particular case, the group in question has previously produced three results each claiming the discovery of a fifth force and hints of a novel particle, but none of them panned out.
—Big Think, 19 Mar. 2026
The pilot never panned out, but their high school romance did.
—Jack Crosbie, Rolling Stone, 17 Mar. 2026
Regime change hasn’t panned out.
—Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 13 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for panned out
Verb
-
Roberts did bemoan a walk in each of the first two innings that proved costly.—
Doug Padilla,
Oc Register,
10 May 2026
-
The sequence proved costly in what became a 4-3, 10-inning, series-losing defeat for the Yankees in Milwaukee.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
10 May 2026
Verb
-
The high-profile dispute presents an early challenge for Disney Chief Executive Josh D’Amaro, who succeeded longtime chief Bob Iger in March.—
Meg James,
Los Angeles Times,
8 May 2026
-
He was succeeded by his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, who is considered more of an ideological extremist than his father.—
Michael Collins,
USA Today,
8 May 2026
Verb
-
Following eight weeks of American and Israeli bombing that started in late February, the group has carved out a new power center through large street rallies in Tehran that have evolved into an influential bloc.—
Mostafa Salem,
CNN Money,
9 May 2026
-
Researchers could directly study the chemistry of the moon’s deep interior, determine when the giant impact occurred, and better understand how rocky worlds evolved in the early solar system.—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
9 May 2026
Verb
-
In a boost for advocates fighting to save a portion of the Hoppers Birge Pond Nature Preserve in Bristol from being developed, the city has worked out an agreement with the developer to acquire six acres for preservation.—
Stephen Underwood,
Hartford Courant,
4 May 2026
-
Timing still needs to be worked out.—
Grace Zokovitch,
Boston Herald,
4 May 2026
Verb
-
Canvas, the learning management system used by UC, Cal State, USC, Stanford and California community colleges, went offline Thursday during finals preparations after a massive cybersecurity breach at Instructure.—
Jaweed Kaleem,
Los Angeles Times,
8 May 2026
-
In the Hockomock league, Cheyenne Murray went 2-for-4 with a homer, two runs scored and three driven in as King Philip took down Canton 15-3.—
Brendan Connelly,
Boston Herald,
8 May 2026
Verb
-
The incident occurred on the Carnival Firenze, which was off the Southern California coast when the female guest went over the balcony of her stateroom and landed on a lower deck, the cruise line confirmed to Fox News Digital.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Shortly after the final whistle blew in Chelsea’s 1-0 FA Cup semi-final win over Leeds United, the players went over to take the acclaim from their supporters.—
Simon Johnson,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Panned out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/panned%20out. Accessed 11 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
