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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of holding pattern
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
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
See All Example Sentences for holding pattern
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
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
See All Example Sentences for holding pattern
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holding pattern
Noun
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His older brother, Mario, is also a HSV player, albeit one serving a four-year suspension for a doping violation.—
Sebastian Stafford-Bloor,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
-
But Indonesia’s House of Representatives said that the license suspension would not cause severe impact on such users.—
Chad de Guzman,
Time,
6 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Package cannot clear due to customs delay or missing info.—
Kayla Steinberg,
NBC news,
10 Oct. 2025
-
Laurene Allen, an environmental advocate who lives in Merrimack, New Hampshire, where PFNA was one of several forever chemicals discovered in drinking water in 2016, was awaiting the report and is frustrated and enraged by its delay.—
Sharon Lerner,
ProPublica,
10 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Though the Russian Federation’s ongoing international ban will presumably deny all-time NHL goals leader Alex Ovechkin a last chance to win an elusive gold medal, the action in Italy next February should not lack suspense.—
Rob Rossi,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
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The impeccable direction and cinematography, the masterful suspense, and the pitch-perfect performance of Anthony Perkins as Norman Bates all combine to create not just one of the best horror movies of all time, but one of the best films of all time, period.—
Samantha Allen,
Them.,
7 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Five wins from five sees Stale Solbakken’s free-scoring side, fuelled by the goals of Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, top their group with a flawless record, and the next month could see an end to Norway’s 26-year wait to feature in a major tournament.—
Philip Buckingham,
New York Times,
10 Oct. 2025
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Preparing World of Flight Philadelphia ready to open took longer than expected because of the requirements for construction in a historic building, but Jordan Brand sees the wait as worth it in order to execute such an authentic space.—
Ian Servantes,
Footwear News,
10 Oct. 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,
7 Oct. 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 14 Oct. 2025.
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