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
Yet, a new report by consulting firm Mercer shows this trend hasn’t actually panned out.
—
Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 9 May 2026
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
Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 9 May 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for panned out
Verb
-
Building the program had proved difficult.—
Andrew Carter,
Chicago Tribune,
24 May 2026
-
But Iran, until now, has proved resistant to that approach.—
Willem Marx,
NPR,
23 May 2026
Verb
-
Before delivering her sophomore album Dandelion, the rising country talent delivered a handful of promotional tunes, and each and every one of them became quick commercial successes on at least Billboard's country tallies, though many succeeded on various non-genre-specific rosters as well.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes.com,
24 May 2026
-
Former Congressman Colin Allred of Dallas faces the woman who succeeded him in office, Congresswoman Julie Johnson of Farmers Branch.—
Jack Fink,
CBS News,
24 May 2026
Verb
-
Some insects and other animals have evolved to take pollen or nectar from specific plant species or flowers of a particular shape or a particular range of colors.—
Beth Botts,
Chicago Tribune,
23 May 2026
-
Whereas the original approach to libations at Le Bus was cheap and easy, the vision in its new iteration has evolved into more sophisticated—and pricier—territory.—
Lindsey Tramuta,
Travel + Leisure,
23 May 2026
Verb
-
Had that opportunity to play for the U18 AAA Blues not worked out, Dobeš might not have continued playing high-level hockey.—
Arpon Basu,
New York Times,
25 May 2026
-
While talks are ongoing with key details still to be worked out, the outlines of a deal include Iran reopening the Strait of Hormuz and letting ships pass without paying tolls, sources told Axios.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
24 May 2026
Verb
-
But the fairy godmother’s spell wore off early in Game 6, which was just 62 seconds old when Vegas went ahead to stay.—
Kevin Baxter,
Los Angeles Times,
15 May 2026
-
Heartland recruit Sammy Atkinson went 3-for-4 with three runs and two triples, including a leadoff triple that sparked a three-run seventh as the Celtics (16-14) came back from a 5-3 deficit.—
Steve Millar,
Chicago Tribune,
15 May 2026
Verb
-
After regulation ended, NBC’s camera crew went over to the Thunder bench.—
Ryan Canfield,
FOXNews.com,
19 May 2026
-
After the game, roughly half of the Inter Miami players, mostly newcomers and younger players, went over toward the North stands, applauded and paid tribute to La Familia.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
18 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Panned out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/panned%20out. Accessed 27 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
