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
Either way, at least the agonizing holding pattern would be over.
—
Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 21 Mar. 2026
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
The data reflect one of the ways that life has fallen into a holding pattern for many.
—Bloomberg, Oc Register, 4 Mar. 2026
As for the Dolphins, they will likely be placed in a holding pattern because of the $54 million salary Tagovailoa is guaranteed in 2026.
—Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for holding pattern
Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 21 Mar. 2026
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
The data reflect one of the ways that life has fallen into a holding pattern for many.
—Bloomberg, Oc Register, 4 Mar. 2026
As for the Dolphins, they will likely be placed in a holding pattern because of the $54 million salary Tagovailoa is guaranteed in 2026.
—Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for holding pattern
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holding pattern
Noun
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The clever tuning of the suspension and the steering wheel -- that's what our engineers are incredibly skilled at.—
Morgan Korn,
ABC News,
10 Apr. 2026
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That aligns with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, which said in a statement that the two-week suspension of strikes in Iran does not include the war with Hezbollah in Lebanon.—
Will Weissert,
Fortune,
9 Apr. 2026
Noun
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But outside of the horror community and cult-movie devotees, there’s still ample misunderstanding about what Faces of Death really is — and that’s not likely to be remedied by the arrival of Daniel Goldhaber’s 2026 film, Faces of Death, now hitting theaters after a lengthy postproduction delay.—
Louis Peitzman,
Vulture,
10 Apr. 2026
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Diapers may use synthetic musks to create fragrances as well as plastics that contain chemicals such as phthalates and volatile organic compounds, which studies have linked to developmental delays, reproductive harm, endocrine system disruption and cancer.—
Kate Sequeira,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Apr. 2026
Noun
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To some umps’ great dismay—and fans’ utter delight—calls are indeed getting overturned, with all the suspense of a Roman emperor deciding on a gladiator’s fate.—
Andrew Nusca,
Fortune,
8 Apr. 2026
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At the half, the Wolverines had established a 48-32 lead over the Wildcats, and, thanks in part to a 26-12 advantage in points off turnovers, Michigan would propel itself to the title game with a suspense-free 91-73 win.—
Anthony Crupi,
Sportico.com,
6 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Cabbies said a 10-year wait for a fare hike was far too long, and the increase is too small, considering gas prices are up and minimum wages for other workers have been better cared for.—
Chris Tye,
CBS News,
14 Apr. 2026
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Other times, the long wait for permanent housing proves demoralizing.—
Andrew Khouri,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The pico de gallo in cold storage for more than 4 1/2 hours still measured 46 degrees, or five degrees too warm.—
David J. Neal,
Miami Herald,
13 Mar. 2026
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Sharing the property are an organic farm with cold storage, six greenhouses, and a bonus space.—
The Week US,
TheWeek,
9 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Holding pattern.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holding%20pattern. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.
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