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
Relevance
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
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 holding pattern
Broadway box office was mostly in a holding pattern last week as the industry gears up for a busy fall season, but some shows broke from the pack to do very well indeed for the late-summer dog days.
—
Greg Evans, Deadline, 2 Sep. 2025
Sticking to a holding pattern with predictability is the natural response when your job is at stake.
—Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025
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
The Fed started its holding pattern, largely worried Trump’s tariffs would reignite inflation.
—Danny Bakst, Fortune, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for holding pattern
Greg Evans, Deadline, 2 Sep. 2025
Sticking to a holding pattern with predictability is the natural response when your job is at stake.
—Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025
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
The Fed started its holding pattern, largely worried Trump’s tariffs would reignite inflation.
—Danny Bakst, Fortune, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for holding pattern
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holding pattern
Noun
-
Despite challenges, including a PED suspension that forced him to miss the entire 2021 season while with the Mets, Canó’s passion for the game remains undiminished.—
Denny Alfonso,
New York Times,
10 Nov. 2025
-
The president's retaliative criticism, and subsequent reaction from corporations, have led to a wave of backlash from notable figures in Hollywood, who warn how Kimmel's suspension and the cancellation ofThe Late Show With Stephen Colbert are signs of an attack on free speech.—
Mekishana Pierre,
Entertainment Weekly,
10 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Flyers should try to mitigate any headaches from delays and cancellations by avoiding booking flights with layovers, the non-profit US Public Interest Research Group says, and opt to make reservations directly with the airline rather than a third-party website.—
Emma Tucker,
CNN Money,
8 Nov. 2025
-
Carriers are required to refund customers whose flights are canceled but not to cover costs such as food and hotels unless a delay or cancellation results from a factor within the control of the airlines, according to the Department of Transportation.—
JOSH FUNK,
Arkansas Online,
8 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
That builds tension and suspense.—
John Hopewell,
Variety,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Based on Mick Herron's novel, the author whose work inspired Apple's Emmy-winning Slow Horses, Down Cemetery Road blends suspense and dark humor in its story of two women (Emma Thompson and Ruth Wilson) who navigate a dangerous investigation filled with shocking twists and high-stakes pursuits.—
Allison DeGrushe,
Entertainment Weekly,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Get live security wait times, so you’re not stuck in a five‑hour shuffle line that’s already happening.—
The Kim Komando Show,
FOXNews.com,
8 Nov. 2025
-
While orders come with a four to seven week wait time, the process is highly personalized.—
Andre Claudio,
Sourcing Journal,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The majority of the new investor money will fund new planting and investments in cold storage and infrastructure, including automation, to increase control over quality and distribution.—
Eric Rosenbaum,
CNBC,
29 Oct. 2025
-
Speaking of unsafe, the walk-in cooler that’s supposed to keep food in cold storage at or under 41 degrees measured 65 degrees.—
David J. Neal,
Miami Herald,
20 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Holding pattern.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holding%20pattern. Accessed 14 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share