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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of holding pattern
The holding pattern gives space for others to jump in and shape the market.
—
Justin Worland, Time, 26 Mar. 2026
As staffers await new leadership, projects have floundered, many in a holding pattern awaiting funding.
—Erika Edwards, NBC news, 24 Mar. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for holding pattern
Justin Worland, Time, 26 Mar. 2026
As staffers await new leadership, projects have floundered, many in a holding pattern awaiting funding.
—Erika Edwards, NBC news, 24 Mar. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for holding pattern
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holding pattern
Noun
-
Their suit asserts that the suspension of the primaries would disenfranchise voters.—
Aaron Navarro,
CBS News,
1 May 2026
-
In the spirit of never letting a crisis go to waste, the California oil industry has been using this moment to try to jam through its wish list, lobbying for more drilling permits, suspension of taxes, the elimination of environmental programs and subsidies for refineries.—
Ryan Cummings,
Mercury News,
1 May 2026
Noun
-
According to The Tennessean, trainers from both teams rushed out to assist Kennedy, and that caused a 15-minute delay in the game.—
Matt Reigle OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
2 May 2026
-
Two batters into the top of the sixth, a sudden, aggressive rain began pouring down on Citizens Bank Park, prompting a brisk 24-minute delay.—
Justice delos Santos,
Mercury News,
1 May 2026
Noun
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McCarthy has a deft way with crafting suspense in his script, leading with character first, planting conversational bombs that go off at intervals throughout the plot.—
Katie Walsh,
Twin Cities,
2 May 2026
-
McCarthy has a deft way with crafting suspense in his script, leading with character first, planting conversational bombs that go off at intervals throughout the plot.—
Katie Walsh,
Boston Herald,
1 May 2026
Noun
-
Tables turn quickly even with 20 parties ahead of you — about a 20-minute wait.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
28 Apr. 2026
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Insurance coverage for mental illnesses further complicates the problem of consistent care because the number of visits to mental health professionals are usually limited, and there are often long waits to see providers.—
Jeffrey Freedman,
Sun Sentinel,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Nicole TungFrozen Spanish mackerel in cold storage at a facility owned by a Thai family of commercial fishers in Samut Sakhon, Thailand, in January 2025.—
Jay Ganglani,
NBC news,
3 May 2026
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The other buildings will be capable of supporting warehousing, distribution, cold storage or other light industrial uses.—
Zachary Hansen,
AJC.com,
29 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Holding pattern.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holding%20pattern. Accessed 7 May. 2026.
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