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
Broadway box office was mostly in a holding pattern last week as the industry gears up for a busy fall season, but some shows broke from the pack to do very well indeed for the late-summer dog days.
—
Greg Evans, Deadline, 2 Sep. 2025
Sticking to a holding pattern with predictability is the natural response when your job is at stake.
—Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025
The league is currently in a holding pattern at 30 teams after introducing San Diego FC this past season.
—Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 18 Aug. 2025
The Fed started its holding pattern, largely worried Trump’s tariffs would reignite inflation.
—Danny Bakst, Fortune, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for holding pattern
Greg Evans, Deadline, 2 Sep. 2025
Sticking to a holding pattern with predictability is the natural response when your job is at stake.
—Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025
The league is currently in a holding pattern at 30 teams after introducing San Diego FC this past season.
—Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 18 Aug. 2025
The Fed started its holding pattern, largely worried Trump’s tariffs would reignite inflation.
—Danny Bakst, Fortune, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for holding pattern
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holding pattern
Noun
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While that included Jimmy Kimmel’s controversial suspension in September, more relevant was CBS’ surprise decision this summer to cancel The Late Show, which is hosted by Stewart’s old colleague Stephen Colbert.—
Jon Blistein,
Rolling Stone,
3 Nov. 2025
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The suspension of government data because of the government shutdown, which is nearing the longest on record, has made the Fed’s job of judging the economy even more difficult.—
Bryan Mena,
CNN Money,
3 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Once again, LaGuardia Airport was particularly affected by delays, with 132 disruptions, as was John F Kennedy International Airport (102) and Logan International Airport (98).—
Jasmine Laws,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Oct. 2025
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On Saturday, Egypt’s showpiece museum officially opens its doors after innumerable interruptions, delays and setbacks.—
Oscar Holland,
CNN Money,
31 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Blending dark comedy, drama, and suspense, His Weakest Creatures is billed as a sharp allegory of love, survival, and moral compromise, culminating in an unexpected finale.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
4 Nov. 2025
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Liam Hemsworth picks up the White Wolf's blades on season 4 of the Netflix series that also stars Laurence Fishburne, and the suspense is killing us — not like a basilisk, but maybe a drowner.—
EW Staff,
Entertainment Weekly,
31 Oct. 2025
Noun
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For summer weddings, the wait is worth it for better weather in key destinations.—
Jim Augerinos,
Travel + Leisure,
31 Oct. 2025
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For the 62-year-old architect, who was in her late 30s when the competition was announced, seeing the project come to fruition has, nonetheless, been worth the wait.—
Oscar Holland,
CNN Money,
31 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The majority of the new investor money will fund new planting and investments in cold storage and infrastructure, including automation, to increase control over quality and distribution.—
Eric Rosenbaum,
CNBC,
29 Oct. 2025
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Speaking of unsafe, the walk-in cooler that’s supposed to keep food in cold storage at or under 41 degrees measured 65 degrees.—
David J. Neal,
Miami Herald,
20 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Holding pattern.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holding%20pattern. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.
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