1
as in suspension
a state of temporary inactivity
repair work on the bridge was in a holding pattern for the duration of the winter
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in delay
an instance or period of being prevented from going about one's business
the couple has been trapped in this holding pattern for six months, as adoption officials create more red tape
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of holding pattern
Either way, at least the agonizing holding pattern would be over.
—
Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 21 Mar. 2026
So should investors expect these trades to build up momentum again, or are these holding patterns set to continue?
—Davis Giangiulio, CNBC, 8 Mar. 2026
The data reflect one of the ways that life has fallen into a holding pattern for many.
—Bloomberg, Oc Register, 4 Mar. 2026
As for the Dolphins, they will likely be placed in a holding pattern because of the $54 million salary Tagovailoa is guaranteed in 2026.
—Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for holding pattern
Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 21 Mar. 2026
So should investors expect these trades to build up momentum again, or are these holding patterns set to continue?
—Davis Giangiulio, CNBC, 8 Mar. 2026
The data reflect one of the ways that life has fallen into a holding pattern for many.
—Bloomberg, Oc Register, 4 Mar. 2026
As for the Dolphins, they will likely be placed in a holding pattern because of the $54 million salary Tagovailoa is guaranteed in 2026.
—Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for holding pattern
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holding pattern
Noun
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Iran Air, the country's flagship carrier, reopened domestic routes after a 50-day suspension on Wednesday.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
24 Apr. 2026
-
The baseline suspension for first-time domestic violence offenders?—
Tyler Estep,
AJC.com,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
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O'Hara said those delays in January were isolated and a direct result of Operation Metro Surge's drain on local resources.—
Conor Wight,
CBS News,
24 Apr. 2026
-
That is what the delay was, technical difficulties.—
Armando Salguero OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Harlin stages the shark attacks in an overt here-ya-go way, with the one consistent suspense issue being whether the shark will consume a victim whole or bite off his or her limb or simply leave them with a nasty gash (which happens quite often).—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
25 Apr. 2026
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The many leaps in time to the wedding—to which Ruben shows up on a motorcycle, angry enough to knock his brother out with a single punch—consistently ratchet up the sense of dread, and the suspense over why or how these two have stayed enmeshed.—
Inkoo Kang,
New Yorker,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Tables turn quickly even with 20 parties ahead of you — about a 20-minute wait.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
28 Apr. 2026
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Insurance coverage for mental illnesses further complicates the problem of consistent care because the number of visits to mental health professionals are usually limited, and there are often long waits to see providers.—
Jeffrey Freedman,
Sun Sentinel,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The other buildings will be capable of supporting warehousing, distribution, cold storage or other light industrial uses.—
Zachary Hansen,
AJC.com,
29 Apr. 2026
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The reach-in coolers need to keep food in cold storage at or under 41 degrees to prevent them from becoming bacteria farms.—
David J. Neal,
Miami Herald,
28 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Holding pattern.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holding%20pattern. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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