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
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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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Recent Examples of holding pattern
What the new coach faces The Hornets are in a holding pattern of sorts in football.
—
Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 5 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
In Chicago and Portland, judges blocked Guard forces from being deployed onto the streets, leaving them in a holding pattern for weeks.
—Joe Walsh, CBS News, 20 Nov. 2025
The business has been in something of a holding pattern since 2023, when the writers and actors strikes put much of the industry on ice.
—Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 19 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for holding pattern
Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 5 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
In Chicago and Portland, judges blocked Guard forces from being deployed onto the streets, leaving them in a holding pattern for weeks.
—Joe Walsh, CBS News, 20 Nov. 2025
The business has been in something of a holding pattern since 2023, when the writers and actors strikes put much of the industry on ice.
—Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 19 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for holding pattern
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holding pattern
Noun
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The changes the department has made include employing a medical doctor who is an addiction medicine specialist, reviewing methadone induction protocols at all facilities and the suspension of methadone induction at Garner.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
13 Jan. 2026
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Since the arrest did not involve weapons, drugs, alcohol or anything violent, this won’t be viewed as a serious mistake toward his NFL future or any possible suspension.—
Nick Harris,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 Jan. 2026
Noun
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From plane seatback organizers to carry-on cup holders, these accessories can save you from boarding delays and other headaches—starting at $9.—
Jillian Dara,
Travel + Leisure,
10 Jan. 2026
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Hi Lab positions HyDee as a response to those challenges by eliminating charging delays associated with battery systems.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Start the new year with a little extra suspense.—
Allison DeGrushe,
Entertainment Weekly,
31 Dec. 2025
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And, the heightened level of suspense, coupled with the reader’s invitation to examine the complexities of the human heart, definitely makes this book a must-read.—
Lynnette Nicholas,
Essence,
30 Dec. 2025
Noun
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Prosecutors have also filed two sentencing enhancements against Buzzard, alleging use of a gun during a felony and murder while lying in wait, the Independent reported.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
10 Jan. 2026
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Despite a tricky entrance and a long wait on one of the busiest days of the year, the meal was worth it.—
Angela Lian,
Travel + Leisure,
10 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Reliability, flexibility, and fast, on time delivery guide development, with specifications tailored to local markets and customers, from last mile hubs and national distribution to cold storage, production facilities, and data centres.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
8 Jan. 2026
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On top of this lobster heist that’s grabbing headlines, a load of crabs being shipped from a cold storage facility in Massachusetts also went missing on December 2, The Boston Globe reported.—
Jeremy Repanich,
Robb Report,
31 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Holding pattern.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holding%20pattern. Accessed 18 Jan. 2026.
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