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
Sources say the program is likely mired in the same holding pattern as most local policies for the foreseeable future, hinging on who occupies City Hall come January.
—
John Surico, Curbed, 9 July 2025
Major economic indicators have been in a holding pattern for the past few months, with consumers and businesses behaving cautiously as President Trump’s trade war has played out.
—Tobias Burns, The Hill, 17 June 2025
Earlier this month, the Fed kept its benchmark lending rate unchanged at a range of 4.25% to 4.5%, extending a holding pattern that began in January.
—Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 26 May 2025
Manchester United’s holding pattern before touchdown in Bilbao was evident again at Stamford Bridge.
—Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 17 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for holding pattern
John Surico, Curbed, 9 July 2025
Major economic indicators have been in a holding pattern for the past few months, with consumers and businesses behaving cautiously as President Trump’s trade war has played out.
—Tobias Burns, The Hill, 17 June 2025
Earlier this month, the Fed kept its benchmark lending rate unchanged at a range of 4.25% to 4.5%, extending a holding pattern that began in January.
—Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 26 May 2025
Manchester United’s holding pattern before touchdown in Bilbao was evident again at Stamford Bridge.
—Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 17 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for holding pattern
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holding pattern
Noun
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However, the suspension of the de minimis rule now means that lower value shipments will now be subject to an additional 10% to 50% levy that coincides with the tariff rate of the country of origin, or a flat rate of $80 to $200, depending on which option the seller chooses.—
Rhett Buttle,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
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Their offense, outside their all-world quarterback, doesn’t scare anybody, not without Rashee Rice (suspension) and Xavier Worthy (injury), and with Travis Kelce in Year 13.—
Zak Keefer,
New York Times,
15 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Even in areas accustomed to heavier snowfalls, accumulations in this range can result in delays, collisions and road closures if not treated promptly.—
Theo Burman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Sep. 2025
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Therefore, the resulting stock drops can be viewed as buying opportunities — so long as the delays don't turn into order cancellations.—
Jeff Marks,
CNBC,
12 Sep. 2025
Noun
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This is mostly an over-the-top spy thriller with wild shootouts, great suspense and some really intense action, but this scene took it to another level entirely.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
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After a chaotic 90 seconds that included six penalties, Campbell sacked Young on fourth down to end the suspense.—
Doug Haller,
New York Times,
15 Sep. 2025
Noun
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This agreement removes that barrier to equal access for passengers with disabilities and provides a mechanism to compensate those harmed by Uber's past wait time fee policy.—
Robert Alexander,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Sep. 2025
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Still, Sigourney Weaver's killer heels are worth the wait.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
12 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Built with flexibility and efficiency in mind, the property can accommodate a variety of uses, including manufacturing, medical, pharmaceutical, food-grade/cold storage and distribution operations.—
Jessica Alvarado Gamez,
Denver Post,
16 Sep. 2025
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Although the bacterium can contaminate many types of food, cheeses or deli meats that are kept in cold storage for long periods in stores or at home are a place where listeria can keep growing.—
Matthew Robinson,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Holding pattern.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holding%20pattern. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
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