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
Stock markets are largely in a holding pattern today as investors wait for the rate decision.
—
Jim Edwards, Fortune, 10 Dec. 2025
What the new coach faces The Hornets are in a holding pattern of sorts in football.
—Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 5 Dec. 2025
Inbound flights that had been placed in holding patterns were cleared to land, and no cancellations were reported.
—Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2025
In Chicago and Portland, judges blocked Guard forces from being deployed onto the streets, leaving them in a holding pattern for weeks.
—Joe Walsh, CBS News, 20 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for holding pattern
Jim Edwards, Fortune, 10 Dec. 2025
What the new coach faces The Hornets are in a holding pattern of sorts in football.
—Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 5 Dec. 2025
Inbound flights that had been placed in holding patterns were cleared to land, and no cancellations were reported.
—Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2025
In Chicago and Portland, judges blocked Guard forces from being deployed onto the streets, leaving them in a holding pattern for weeks.
—Joe Walsh, CBS News, 20 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for holding pattern
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holding pattern
Noun
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Last week’s announcement did not specify whether defaulted FFEL-program student loans held by guaranty agencies are covered by the suspension of involuntary collections.—
Adam S. Minsky,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
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Violators face nothing more serious than firing, reduction in salary grade, a ban on federal employment for up to five years, suspension, reprimand or a fine of up to $1,000.—
Business Columnist,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Jan. 2026
Noun
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With so many rule changes taking effect at once, a little preparation can go a long way toward avoiding delays and maximizing your refund.—
Emma Waldman,
Forbes.com,
24 Jan. 2026
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The disruptions led to thousands of flight delays and cancellations, while hospitals, banks and other businesses around the world were also affected.—
Megan Cerullo,
CBS News,
23 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Magnificent 7 & The Others The Federal Reserve (Fed) meets on Wednesday, but the outcome will hold no suspense.—
Bill Stone,
Forbes.com,
25 Jan. 2026
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In Filipiñana, the angle of a golf club can evoke suspense, a piece of fruit on the ground can feel like a tragedy, and a casual glance can take your breath away.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
24 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Volunteers — some from corporate sponsors, others who might come off the annual wait list for this opportunity — then carefully use a rubber stamp with this year’s winning original verse on the envelope.—
Mindy Sink,
Denver Post,
27 Jan. 2026
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Workers counter that the health giant can afford to boost wages, and that patients are already suffering from long wait times and subpar care because Kaiser does not offer competitive pay.—
Grant Stringer,
Mercury News,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Sponsoring a cold storage firm with facilities in KC — all referenced in contemporaneous news releases.—
Chris Higgins,
Kansas City Star,
27 Jan. 2026
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Robinhood Crypto provides industry-leading security measures, including cold storage for the vast majority of customer assets.—
Robb Report Studio,
Robb Report,
17 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Holding pattern.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holding%20pattern. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.
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