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
Most view the current situation as a temporary holding pattern.
—
Rob Day, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Given the Nevada court’s decision, the Murdoch assets return to a holding pattern and likely will be split evenly among the four children.
—Kevin Dolak, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019
Congress is in a holding pattern for AI policy as members try to decipher signals from the White House about its plans for the rapidly developing tech.
—Maria Curi, Axios, 27 Feb. 2025
But bad weather, the need for a series of holding patterns and poor communication between the flight crew and air traffic controllers caused the plane to run out of fuel.
—Christopher Maag, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for holding pattern
Rob Day, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Given the Nevada court’s decision, the Murdoch assets return to a holding pattern and likely will be split evenly among the four children.
—Kevin Dolak, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019
Congress is in a holding pattern for AI policy as members try to decipher signals from the White House about its plans for the rapidly developing tech.
—Maria Curi, Axios, 27 Feb. 2025
But bad weather, the need for a series of holding patterns and poor communication between the flight crew and air traffic controllers caused the plane to run out of fuel.
—Christopher Maag, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for holding pattern
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holding pattern
Noun
-
Santana will still appear for the Pirates as his appeal of the suspension is reviewed by the league.—
Paulina Dedaj,
FOXNews.com,
21 June 2025
-
Suarez is appealing the length of a three-game suspension, while Shildt and Roberts served one-game suspensions on Friday.—
Jeff Sanders,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
20 June 2025
Noun
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In a post-pandemic world where air travel has become increasingly unpredictable—think flight delays, overcrowded airports, and service that sometimes feels like an afterthought—finding carriers that consistently deliver excellence feels like striking gold (literally).—
Kimberly Wilson,
Essence,
18 June 2025
-
Without governance, organizations may face regulatory delays, product holds or reputational damage.—
Doron Sitbon,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2025
Noun
-
Beyond the blood and suspense, however, Jaws was a deeply psychological film.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
17 June 2025
-
Echo Valley feels in need of an additional twist, or one fewer — to either commit to being foremost a drama about addiction or to go harder into the suspense, rather than ending up an awkward hybrid of the two.—
Alison Willmore,
Vulture,
12 June 2025
Noun
-
The program is a partnership between the two agencies and an effort to clear crash investigations more quickly in a region with clogged roads, a ballooning population and often-long wait times after minor accidents.—
Natalia Jaramillo,
The Orlando Sentinel,
21 June 2025
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And, Burke and the Pate brothers say the final season will be well worth the wait.—
Samantha Stutsman,
People.com,
21 June 2025
Noun
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Security measures include multi-user approval protocols, cold storage for 96% of funds, and advanced encryption for private keys.—
Roomy Khan,
Forbes,
12 Mar. 2025
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Funds from investors using the program often go to Regional Centers, which distribute money into different projects, from highway construction to resort hotels to cold storage facilities in rural areas.—
Tommy Tuberville,
Newsweek,
6 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Holding pattern.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holding%20pattern. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.
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