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
Multiple federal agencies trying to implement sweeping changes and reductions sought by the Trump administration have been in a holding pattern as legal challenges make their way through the courts.
—
Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 25 June 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
Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 25 June 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
-
Speaking on Friday about the timing of Rice’s suspension via Zoom, Reid gave the impression of a coach ready to look ahead rather than in the rearview.—
Pete Sweeney,
Kansas City Star,
1 Sep. 2025
-
In Belgian Singel beers, proteins pack together like tiny particles spread across the surface, creating a suspension that stabilizes the foam.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
31 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Colleyville Heritage defeated Richland 30-21 in a game halted early in the third quarter after a second lightning delay Friday at Mustang-Panther Stadium.—
Jordan Neal,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
6 Sep. 2025
-
Fans booed the delay from the stands at the Johan Cruyff Stadium.—
Laia Cervelló Herrero,
New York Times,
6 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Fans have become emotionally attached around the world, constantly sharing unboxing videos filled with suspense.—
Dan Gingiss,
Forbes.com,
30 Aug. 2025
-
Cover-Up moves between past and present with a fitting sense of discovery and momentousness, Maya Shenfeld’s score pulsing with suspense and at times eerie with foreboding.—
Sheri Linden,
HollywoodReporter,
29 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
That’s when Kenel abandoned his cart, exited to the store and lay in wait for the couple in the parking lot, officials said.—
Mark Price,
Miami Herald,
5 Sep. 2025
-
After filing, the tort claim process requires a 120-day wait period before any further legal action can happen.—
Taylor O'Connor,
Kansas City Star,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
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
-
Some of these include healthcare facilities, student housing, senior living, cold storage, and even life sciences labs.—
James Nelson,
Forbes.com,
28 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Holding pattern.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holding%20pattern. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share