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
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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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of holding pattern
The league is currently in a holding pattern at 30 teams after introducing San Diego FC this past season.
—
Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 18 Aug. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for holding pattern
Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 18 Aug. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for holding pattern
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holding pattern
Noun
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To be sure, the executive order was signed days after Disney pushed back against the White House’s pressure campaign and restored Jimmy Kimmel to the air after a brief suspension.—
John Cassidy,
New Yorker,
29 Sep. 2025
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Partly triggering his suspension was the government threatening to leverage its power over pending media deals.—
Darian Woods,
NPR,
29 Sep. 2025
Noun
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These companies benefit from the speed and cost savings of blockchain payments, without the constant fear of account closures or unjustified delays.—
Sonia Osorio,
Miami Herald,
26 Sep. 2025
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The case remained in the public's eye because of a series of delays, the separation of Ascher's and Fraker's cases from Miller, and a change of attorneys and judges between 2023 and the 2025 trial.—
Jim Riccioli,
jsonline.com,
26 Sep. 2025
Noun
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In a thriller, the suspense is built around a challenge posed to the protagonist — the last big score before retiring, being innocently accused of a crime or accidentally getting involved in something dangerous and deadly.—
Anders de la Motte,
PEOPLE,
28 Sep. 2025
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In other words, suspense isn’t about surprise.—
JD Barker,
Rolling Stone,
25 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Highlights Ultimate Puzzle Challenge Screen-free entertainment saves the day during long waits, flight delays, or times when devices need charging.—
Gabriela Garcia,
Travel + Leisure,
26 Sep. 2025
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Turner said the responses for Idaho 55 accidents take up the bulk of local emergency resources, leading to waits for Boise County residents.—
Sally Krutzig,
Idaho Statesman,
26 Sep. 2025
Noun
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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,
24 Sep. 2025
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In March, officials in McAllen, Texas, responded to an ammonia leak from the rooftop of a Lineage cold storage facility, which affected a General Electric Aerospace Plant across the street.—
Taylor O'Connor,
Kansas City Star,
19 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Holding pattern.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holding%20pattern. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.
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