as in criticizing
to express one's unfavorable opinion of the worth or quality of
virtually all the movie critics have panned this latest sequel in a tired series
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of panning
Highlights include tractor rides around the farm, a corn maze, a pumpkin patch and pumpkin painting, along with music, local vendors, children’s crafts, panning for gems and a farm stand full of fresh flowers and produce, including local honey.
—
Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Oct. 2025
And a long, lingering shot panning up a woman’s body in an advertisement for soda.
—Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 11 Oct. 2025
Reviews for the new project have fallen all across the board, with some hailing it as peak Swift genius and others panning it altogether.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 7 Oct. 2025
In July, a Coldplay concert jumbotron captured an awkward moment after panning to an embracing couple, who promptly unlocked arms and tried to dodge the camera.
—Melina Khan, Freep.com, 29 Sep. 2025
In July, a Coldplay concert jumbotron captured an awkward moment after panning to an embracing couple, who promptly unlocked arms and tried to dodge the camera.
—Melina Khan, USA Today, 28 Sep. 2025
First panning for gold in the rivers, the search here gave way to huge underground mines, including the famed Empire Mine, which is now an intriguing state historic park in Nevada County’s Grass Valley.
—Jenny Peters, Oc Register, 9 Sep. 2025
Most critics appreciated the performances, panning the way tropes overpowered the story.
—Sweta Kaushal, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
While some football fans criticized the NFL for panning to Swift in the stands instead of the game, her presence reportedly boosted ticket sales and viewership.
—Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 3 Sep. 2019
Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Oct. 2025
And a long, lingering shot panning up a woman’s body in an advertisement for soda.
—Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 11 Oct. 2025
Reviews for the new project have fallen all across the board, with some hailing it as peak Swift genius and others panning it altogether.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 7 Oct. 2025
In July, a Coldplay concert jumbotron captured an awkward moment after panning to an embracing couple, who promptly unlocked arms and tried to dodge the camera.
—Melina Khan, Freep.com, 29 Sep. 2025
In July, a Coldplay concert jumbotron captured an awkward moment after panning to an embracing couple, who promptly unlocked arms and tried to dodge the camera.
—Melina Khan, USA Today, 28 Sep. 2025
First panning for gold in the rivers, the search here gave way to huge underground mines, including the famed Empire Mine, which is now an intriguing state historic park in Nevada County’s Grass Valley.
—Jenny Peters, Oc Register, 9 Sep. 2025
Most critics appreciated the performances, panning the way tropes overpowered the story.
—Sweta Kaushal, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
While some football fans criticized the NFL for panning to Swift in the stands instead of the game, her presence reportedly boosted ticket sales and viewership.
—Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 3 Sep. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for panning
Verb
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Instead of criticizing yourself for not following through, get curious.—
Kathy Barnes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
24 Oct. 2025
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Trump has argued the White House needs a large entertaining space, criticizing the past practice of presidents hosting state dinners and other large events in tents on the South Lawn.—
Robert Alexander,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
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And Bina remains as stridently anti-Joanne as ever, banning her from the Roklovs’ weekly Shabbat dinner and blaming her when Noah is passed over for the promotion.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
23 Oct. 2025
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Hawley's bill came amid heated inter-party disagreements over long-term spending priorities, with each party blaming the other for the growing risk to essential services.—
Hollie Silverman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 Oct. 2025
Verb
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As the government shutdown began, polls showed voters were divided on who to blame, with many faulting both parties.—
Kinsey Crowley,
USA Today,
2 Oct. 2025
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And the distribution lines were already faulting all over LA.—
Chiara Eisner,
NPR,
2 Oct. 2025
Verb
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By the mid-1920s, political violence had ebbed, as pro-republican political leaders got a handle on the country’s dire economic condition and joined hands in condemning acts of violence.—
Time,
Time,
23 Oct. 2025
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Investigative news site Mediapart, which first broke the news of links between the funding of Sarkozy’s presidential election campaign and Gaddafi, put up a special edition pushing back on political support for Sarkozy as well as coverage in right-leaning outlets condemning his treatment.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
21 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Sarah Ferguson, Andrew’s ex-wife, also apologized to Epstein for publicly denouncing him.—
Lizzie Lanuza,
StyleCaster,
24 Oct. 2025
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In her later years, she became known as an outspoken activist for animal rights and for voicing strong, controversial opinions — such as denouncing the #MeToo movement in 2018.—
Shania Russell,
Entertainment Weekly,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Known as knockers in England, kobolds also live in caves and mines and make knocking noises directing human miners where to dig.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
27 Oct. 2025
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Even 6 inches of moving water can pose a serious risk of knocking you off your feet.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
26 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Panning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/panning. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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