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
As for the Dolphins, they will likely be placed in a holding pattern because of the $54 million salary Tagovailoa is guaranteed in 2026.
—
Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 10 Feb. 2026
Nobody inside Disney’s TV and streaming unit would ever say so out loud, but things have been in something of a holding pattern there over the past year or two as Walden competed for the CEO gig.
—Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 4 Feb. 2026
The Yankees have been in a holding pattern through the first half of the offseason, with the club’s only external addition to this point being righty reliever Cade Winquest in the Rule 5 Draft.
—Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 4 Jan. 2026
Some of the most common causes for the delays were the gate not being ready, taxiway congestion, holding patterns, runway queues, crew or equipment delay and weather restrictions.
—Marina Watts, PEOPLE, 22 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for holding pattern
Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 10 Feb. 2026
Nobody inside Disney’s TV and streaming unit would ever say so out loud, but things have been in something of a holding pattern there over the past year or two as Walden competed for the CEO gig.
—Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 4 Feb. 2026
The Yankees have been in a holding pattern through the first half of the offseason, with the club’s only external addition to this point being righty reliever Cade Winquest in the Rule 5 Draft.
—Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 4 Jan. 2026
Some of the most common causes for the delays were the gate not being ready, taxiway congestion, holding patterns, runway queues, crew or equipment delay and weather restrictions.
—Marina Watts, PEOPLE, 22 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for holding pattern
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holding pattern
Noun
-
Luka Doncic had 41 points and eight rebounds while also picking up his suspension-triggering 16th technical foul during the Los Angeles Lakers ' 116-99 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Friday night.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Pappas is arguing for a suspension of the federal gas tax as prices top $4 per gallon during the war.—
Burgess Everett,
semafor.com,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
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This time, however, travelers are already facing long lines and delays due to the ongoing partial government shutdown, which has left thousands of TSA workers without pay.—
De'Anthony Taylor,
Baltimore Sun,
28 Mar. 2026
-
If there had been even a 30-second delay, Wilson might be alive, Pastor Ronald Blackwood told Wilson’s family and friends last Saturday at his funeral service at the Star of David Funeral Chapel in North Lauderdale.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
But what else is there to be said about a game devoid of suspense and that did nothing to abate fears that the Padres’ starting pitching will be its Achilles.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 Mar. 2026
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Despite the issues with the production, namely the too-tame suspense at times, this is a sharp cast of veterans.—
David John Chávez,
Mercury News,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The service From the valets to the front desk, the wait staff to the receptionist at the spa, the service was consistently warm and responsive without being uptight.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
31 Mar. 2026
-
For the space fans who plan to watch the Artemis II launch, the wait for countdown may feel long.—
Emily A. Margolis,
The Conversation,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The pico de gallo in cold storage for more than 4 1/2 hours still measured 46 degrees, or five degrees too warm.—
David J. Neal,
Miami Herald,
13 Mar. 2026
-
Sharing the property are an organic farm with cold storage, six greenhouses, and a bonus space.—
The Week US,
TheWeek,
9 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Holding pattern.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holding%20pattern. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
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