1
as in proving
to come to be
the eagerly anticipated kayaking trip never panned out
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in succeeding
to turn out as planned or desired
the investment scheme didn't quite pan out
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of panning out
The Guthrie family is aware that the investigation might need to be transitioned and has been briefed on the fact that certain leads have not been panning out, the sources said.
—
Luke Barr, ABC News, 20 Feb. 2026
That is panning out with Knowles and Fanendo Adi, who will take over for Jeremy Hall as head coach of the Loons’ developmental team, MNUFC2.
—Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 13 Jan. 2026
Vrána not panning out hurt the Mantha return some, and many of the second-rounders Detroit acquired didn’t materialize either.
—Max Bultman, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2026
Thanks to partisan gerrymandering, once-competitive districts have now become easy targets that fundamentally prevent a truly massive seat haul from actually panning out.
—Washington Post, 6 Jan. 2026
Earlier forecasts of high temperatures dropping into the 80s in the Dallas area weren't panning out, the weather service there said.
—Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2025
Staffers at the restaurants told the Post the main sanctuary is vacant, a hint that the idea proposed in 2023 to put in a 320-seat, bi-level theater is not panning out.
—Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 11 Aug. 2025
Luke Barr, ABC News, 20 Feb. 2026
That is panning out with Knowles and Fanendo Adi, who will take over for Jeremy Hall as head coach of the Loons’ developmental team, MNUFC2.
—Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 13 Jan. 2026
Vrána not panning out hurt the Mantha return some, and many of the second-rounders Detroit acquired didn’t materialize either.
—Max Bultman, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2026
Thanks to partisan gerrymandering, once-competitive districts have now become easy targets that fundamentally prevent a truly massive seat haul from actually panning out.
—Washington Post, 6 Jan. 2026
Earlier forecasts of high temperatures dropping into the 80s in the Dallas area weren't panning out, the weather service there said.
—Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2025
Staffers at the restaurants told the Post the main sanctuary is vacant, a hint that the idea proposed in 2023 to put in a 320-seat, bi-level theater is not panning out.
—Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 11 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for panning out
Verb
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With his new Inside Out Denim Collection, Flanigan reimagines timeless denim staples through a bold, conceptual lens—proving that everyday wear can still feel elevated and intentional.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
2 Mar. 2026
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In a film that nimbly walks the tightrope between lightheartedness and weightlessness, Jerry and Mabel’s antagonistic relationship ends up proving the unexpected core of the story.—
Wilson Chapman,
IndieWire,
2 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Dozens of cases spurred by predator catchers are now making their way through the court system, and many of them are succeeding.—
Shira Moolten,
Sun Sentinel,
5 Mar. 2026
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But that’s largely because Democrats with little chance of succeeding are still hanging onto some supporters.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The two teams, who met once in the regular season with Coventry coming out on top 60-46, could potentially meet in the semifinals.—
Lori Riley,
Hartford Courant,
2 Mar. 2026
-
During an emotional moment of the film, Garner’s Emily Spier has a heart-to-heart with her son about how their relationship will not change after coming out as gay.—
Armando Tinoco,
Deadline,
2 Mar. 2026
Verb
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After going over these stubborn wrinkles once in the Vitessa’s regular mode, using the steam-burst function fully removed them in a single pass.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
26 Feb. 2026
-
That’s not going over well with local officials.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Feb. 2026
Verb
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However, Fergie and Diana had a falling out shortly before the latter’s death.—
Lea Veloso,
StyleCaster,
7 Mar. 2026
-
Burkle’s lawsuit against Anderson, filed last month, appears to be part of a bitter falling out between the two longtime business partners and friends, according to The Santa Rosa Press Democrat, which first reported on the litigation.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Of the figures that Rosi’s camera captures, the one who comes most vividly to life is Titti, an elderly teacher working out of an old antiques shop.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
6 Mar. 2026
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The two sides are working out terms related to artificial intelligence, streaming residuals, and health and pension funding — along with more obscure subjects like exclusivity windows for TV series regulars.—
Gene Maddaus,
Variety,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Asteroid and comet redirection is possible as well, as several missions have demonstrated, and perhaps a long-term future for humanity, as well as whatever humans wind up evolving into, will continue to include that information.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
4 Mar. 2026
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An effort to undermine the credibility of the chief executive officer of the University of Connecticut Health Center was timed to go public before the celebratory kickoff Wednesday of Waterbury Hospital’s renewal as part of an evolving new hospital system led by UConn Health.—
Mark Pazniokas,
Hartford Courant,
4 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Collin Sexton came of the bench to score 28 points for the Bulls (26-38), who have lost 16 of 19 after going 23-22 to start the season.—
Jason Anderson,
Sacbee.com,
9 Mar. 2026
-
The Knicks were held to less than 100 points for only the seventh time and had their fourth-worst three-point shooting performance of the season, going eight for 34.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Panning out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/panning%20out. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
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