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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of holding patterns
So should investors expect these trades to build up momentum again, or are these holding patterns set to continue?
—
Davis Giangiulio, CNBC, 8 Mar. 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
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
Davis Giangiulio, CNBC, 8 Mar. 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
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
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However, when a Jewish business student was assaulted, Harvard didn't announce suspensions even though perpetrators were criminally charged, according to the lawsuit.—
Aysha Bagchi,
USA Today,
20 Mar. 2026
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There are several reasons why states may be more reluctant to offer such suspensions this year, experts said.—
Tami Luhby,
CNN Money,
17 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Some passengers have been arriving even earlier in Atlanta -- one of the world's busiest airports -- spooked about missing flights because of delays.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
22 Mar. 2026
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Balancing these two extremes, fear that delays and haste that risks reinjury, is key, Webster said.—
Ian McMahan,
New York Times,
21 Mar. 2026
Noun
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More drivers chasing fewer deliveries means longer waits for tasks.—
Andrew Garin,
Fortune,
19 Mar. 2026
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Some Epic visitors have complained about hours-long waits for major rides, particularly Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, a dark ride in the park’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter area.—
Dewayne Bevil,
The Orlando Sentinel,
18 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Holding patterns.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holding%20patterns. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026.
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