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
-
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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The awards show took place just hours after Catherine Pégard was appointed France’s new culture minister, succeeding Rachida Dati.—
Elsa Keslassy,
Variety,
26 Feb. 2026
-
Martens last year also took on the creative direction of Maison Margiela, succeeding John Galliano, who exited after a successful 10-year tenure.—
Luisa Zargani,
Footwear News,
25 Feb. 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
-
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
-
The two men were friends for years before falling out in the early 2000s.—
Dan Mangan,
CNBC,
27 Feb. 2026
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In a resurfaced clip from a 2024 interview with economist Tyler Cowen, Thiel said the odds are falling out of favor for STEM folks.—
Jake Angelo,
Fortune,
26 Feb. 2026
Verb
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In January, a Crossroads staff member was fired after police told the church that the staff member allegedly secretly filmed women working out at Crunch Fitness in Oakley.—
Matthew Cupelli,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
28 Feb. 2026
-
Everybody’s used to working out and then going straight to work.—
Fran Hoepfner,
Vulture,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The drills are largely computer-simulated and designed to test the allies’ joint operational capabilities while incorporating evolving war scenarios and security challenges.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
25 Feb. 2026
-
Director Phelim McDermott, co-founder of Improbable, said beginning a new chapter with fresh company members felt both exciting and moving after a year of the show evolving in the West End.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
25 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Ferris, who pitched 1-2/3 scoreless innings in his second Cactus League start Saturday in the Dodgers’ 7-6 split-squad loss to the Texas Rangers at Surprise Stadium, noticed the contrast going from the Cubs to the Dodgers.—
Jack Vita,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Mar. 2026
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The debt markets going pencils down is a huge risk to an M&A market that looks poised to rip.—
Liz Hoffman,
semafor.com,
2 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Panning out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/panning%20out. Accessed 4 Mar. 2026.
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