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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holding patterns
Noun
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But officials ignored this pressure, and continued targeting leftist activists for similar suspensions.—
Time,
Time,
20 Oct. 2025 -
Weather events of this strength typically result in widespread utility outages, disrupted travel and freight, and suspensions in economic activity due to road closures, flooding, and property damage.—
Hollie Silverman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Oct. 2025
Noun
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On Friday evening, airports in Phoenix, Houston and San Diego were reporting delays because of staffing issues, and the Federal Aviation Administration warned that staffing problems were also possible at airports in the New York area, Dallas and Philadelphia.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
25 Oct. 2025
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Advertisement While the commercial supply of goods has improved since the cease-fire deal, the flow of humanitarian aid continues to be marred by bureaucracy, delays, and blockages.—
Anna Halford,
Time,
25 Oct. 2025
Noun
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While Rising waits to be served a burger and fries on a disposable plate, Brady Smigiel walks toward the quad.—
Brian Hamilton,
New York Times,
17 Oct. 2025
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For people who live in and around Tucson, flights with connections in Phoenix allow flyers access to what Sky Harbor has to offer without dealing with longer waits for check-in and security and enduring the metro area's traffic, said Austin Wright, spokesman for the Tucson Airport Authority.—
Michael Salerno,
AZCentral.com,
14 Oct. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Holding patterns.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holding%20patterns. Accessed 26 Oct. 2025.
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