pan out
verb
panned out; panning out; pans out
: to happen, end, or develop in a particular way : turn out
I'm really enjoying how this is all panning out now and it is so exciting and intriguing to watch and find out what happens next …—
Gary Neville
Gary Neville
especially
: succeed
… the signs revealed that the experiment wasn't panning out … —Ronald Reagan
Ronald Reagan She [Dixie Hollins] noted that learning about arts and entertainment fills her creative side and works as a great plan B if her goal of working in the medical field doesn't pan out. —Karin Davis-Thompson
Karin Davis-Thompson Examples of pan out in a Sentence
the eagerly anticipated kayaking trip never panned out
the investment scheme didn't quite pan out
Recent Examples on the Web
Sure, there’s the potential for another $3 per share for Walgreens shareholders if future divestitures pan out well, but the bottom line is many shareholders will be asked to vote to cement losses that for now are just on paper.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 7 Mar. 2025
Most mortgage-market observers began the year believing rates were more likely to rise than fall, but that hasn’t panned out.
—Andrea Riquier, USA TODAY, 6 Mar. 2025
However, things have not panned out for the Suns, who are the 11th seed in the West, 2.5 games back of the 10th spot, and have lost eight of their last ten games.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 28 Feb. 2025
Stats PDs 5 INTs 1 Tackles 49 Penalties 0
Snap rate
49.5%
Raiders
CB
Tier 7
Tier 8
Veterans who might be near the end; role players; former draft crushes who haven’t panned out yet.
—Vic Tafur, The Athletic, 24 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pan out
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The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 7 Mar. 2025
Most mortgage-market observers began the year believing rates were more likely to rise than fall, but that hasn’t panned out.
—Andrea Riquier, USA TODAY, 6 Mar. 2025
However, things have not panned out for the Suns, who are the 11th seed in the West, 2.5 games back of the 10th spot, and have lost eight of their last ten games.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 28 Feb. 2025
Stats PDs 5 INTs 1 Tackles 49 Penalties 0
Snap rate
49.5%
Raiders
CB
Tier 7
Tier 8
Veterans who might be near the end; role players; former draft crushes who haven’t panned out yet.
—Vic Tafur, The Athletic, 24 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pan out
Cite this Entry
“Pan out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pan%20out. Accessed 11 Mar. 2025.
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