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
The Yankees have been in a holding pattern through the first half of the offseason, with the club’s only external addition to this point being righty reliever Cade Winquest in the Rule 5 Draft.
—
Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 4 Jan. 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
Stock markets are largely in a holding pattern today as investors wait for the rate decision.
—Jim Edwards, Fortune, 10 Dec. 2025
What the new coach faces The Hornets are in a holding pattern of sorts in football.
—Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 5 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for holding pattern
Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 4 Jan. 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
Stock markets are largely in a holding pattern today as investors wait for the rate decision.
—Jim Edwards, Fortune, 10 Dec. 2025
What the new coach faces The Hornets are in a holding pattern of sorts in football.
—Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 5 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for holding pattern
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holding pattern
Noun
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The legal basis for keeping the suspension in place is itself now being questioned, and new court challenges are anticipated.—
Jay Caruso,
The Washington Examiner,
13 Mar. 2026
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Both Marchment and Cooke had been suspended regularly at the time, piling up more than a half dozen suspensions.—
James Mirtle,
New York Times,
13 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The delay is limiting discussion on an important topic, said Stephanie Richard, a clinical professor who leads the Sunita Jain Anti-Trafficking Initiative at Loyola Law School, which released its own comprehensive report on human trafficking and the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics in December.—
Assistant Sports Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Mar. 2026
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So, everyday purchases such as clothing, phone cases, small appliances, and shoes remain subject to tariffs and customs delays.—
Jay Caruso,
The Washington Examiner,
13 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Close-ups on framed photographs depicting Devora’s younger, more graceful self offer less a sense of history than ambient suspense.—
Lé Baltar,
IndieWire,
14 Mar. 2026
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In contrast to those comedy elements, Patrick Stump’s original score takes a useful straight-suspense approach.—
Dennis Harvey,
Variety,
14 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The partial government shutdown has caused lengthy wait times for travelers at some airport security checkpoints where the Transportation Security Administration is short-staffed.—
Kelly McCarthy,
ABC News,
10 Mar. 2026
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Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport said Monday TSA waits can extend up to two hours and advised passengers to arrive at least three hours before their flight.—
Alexandra Skores,
CNN Money,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
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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
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They’re dug and divided in the fall or winter, then kept in cold storage until they are sent to you at the correct time for planting.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
4 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Holding pattern.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holding%20pattern. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.
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