1
as in suspensions
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 delays
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 patterns
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
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
Marina Watts, PEOPLE, 22 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holding patterns
Noun
-
European groups, including Virgin Atlantic and Lufthansa Group, have confirmed temporary route suspensions, while several more international airlines are rerouting.—
Hana Al-Khodairi,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Feb. 2026
-
There’s also a minor tweak to out-of-school suspensions for younger children (preschool through second grade).—
CT Mirror,
Hartford Courant,
27 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Fellow passengers were moved and amazed to witness a former president stuck in typical airport delays alongside them.—
Meg Kinnard,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Feb. 2026
-
As part of the lawsuit, Hartsuch claims Board of Medicine rules require that investigations be conducted and resolved within a reasonable time, and that the board knew or should have known that its delays would prevent Hartsuch from working as an ER physician.—
Clark Kauffman,
Iowa Capital Dispatch,
28 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The menu includes classics like salads, pizzas, fish tacos, sandwiches, and orders arrive promptly without long waits.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
26 Feb. 2026
-
Back on opening day of the ride, all went well for a couple of hours, then stoppages led to 300-minute waits.—
Dewayne Bevil,
The Orlando Sentinel,
18 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Holding patterns.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holding%20patterns. Accessed 3 Mar. 2026.
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