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
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
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
See All Example Sentences for holding pattern
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
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
See All Example Sentences for holding pattern
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holding pattern
Noun
-
In many Eastern traditions, by contrast, eternity is the immovable that resists change, a condition of suspension extending across infinity.—
Li Qi,
Artforum,
6 Mar. 2026
-
The board indicated Becker can apply for reinstatement if his Iowa license once the 90-day suspension has lapsed.—
Clark Kauffman,
Iowa Capital Dispatch,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
This delay meant that, as guests waited for the ceremony to begin, the sun had set and candles had to be lit inside the church.—
Radhika Seth,
Vogue,
7 Mar. 2026
-
Motorists should anticipate delays, plan ahead and choose alternate routes.—
Holly Andres,
Daily News,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Framed as a psychological thriller for fans of Gillian Flynn’s suspense antics and Donna Tartt’s cerebral ones, this novel evokes the underground with an insider’s eye.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
5 Mar. 2026
-
Perhaps the intent is to cultivate suspense, yet the effect is a frustrating vagueness around the base conditions for the show’s central infatuation.—
Alison Herman,
Variety,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The partial government shutdown has caused lengthy wait times for travelers at some airport security checkpoints where the Transportation Security Administration is short-staffed.—
Kelly McCarthy,
ABC News,
10 Mar. 2026
-
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport said Monday TSA waits can extend up to two hours and advised passengers to arrive at least three hours before their flight.—
Alexandra Skores,
CNN Money,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Sharing the property are an organic farm with cold storage, six greenhouses, and a bonus space.—
The Week US,
TheWeek,
9 Mar. 2026
-
They’re dug and divided in the fall or winter, then kept in cold storage until they are sent to you at the correct time for planting.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
4 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Holding pattern.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holding%20pattern. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
