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
Sources say the program is likely mired in the same holding pattern as most local policies for the foreseeable future, hinging on who occupies City Hall come January.
—
John Surico, Curbed, 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
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
John Surico, Curbed, 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
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
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Rashee Rice, who is sitting out the first six games with a suspension for violating the NFL’s conduct policy, can return to the practice facility this week.—
Blair Kerkhoff,
Kansas City Star,
22 Sep. 2025
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Suspicious activity could lead to the disqualification of candidates and a permanent suspension of the Athlete of the Week poll.—
Nathan Canilao,
Mercury News,
22 Sep. 2025
Noun
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These companies benefit from the speed and cost savings of blockchain payments, without the constant fear of account closures or unjustified delays.—
Sonia Osorio,
Miami Herald,
26 Sep. 2025
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The case remained in the public's eye because of a series of delays, the separation of Ascher's and Fraker's cases from Miller, and a change of attorneys and judges between 2023 and the 2025 trial.—
Jim Riccioli,
jsonline.com,
26 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Sure, this quiet drama is spiked by a certain amount of suspense over whether the family at its center will get caught.—
Leslie Felperin,
HollywoodReporter,
23 Sep. 2025
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Does ‘107 Days’ read ‘like a suspense novel’?—
Clare Mulroy,
USA Today,
23 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Highlights Ultimate Puzzle Challenge Screen-free entertainment saves the day during long waits, flight delays, or times when devices need charging.—
Gabriela Garcia,
Travel + Leisure,
26 Sep. 2025
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Turner said the responses for Idaho 55 accidents take up the bulk of local emergency resources, leading to waits for Boise County residents.—
Sally Krutzig,
Idaho Statesman,
26 Sep. 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,
24 Sep. 2025
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Built with flexibility and efficiency in mind, the property can accommodate a variety of uses, including manufacturing, medical, pharmaceutical, food-grade/cold storage and distribution operations.—
Jessica Alvarado Gamez,
Denver Post,
16 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Holding pattern.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holding%20pattern. Accessed 30 Sep. 2025.
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