1
as in suspensions
a state of temporary inactivity
repair work on the bridge was in a holding pattern for the duration of the winter
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in delays
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holding patterns
Noun
-
As stated, the Bills are already down multiple defensive tackles, as Michael Heocht and Larry Ogunjbi are dealing with suspensions.—
James Brizuela,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Oct. 2025 -
In the aftermath of Kirk's death, waves of firings and suspensions have occurred across the country in connection to individuals’ social media posts about Kirk, as conservative politicians and influencers push for a crackdown on negative posts about the political podcaster.—
Craig Shoup,
Nashville Tennessean,
11 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
In addition, New York City and Philadelphia also faced tornado watches and considerable rainfall, creating risks of flash flooding and travel delays.—
Hollie Silverman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Oct. 2025
-
Mike Hellstrom, vice president and eastern regional manager of the Laborers’ International Union of North America, said the funding cut likely means delays for a multigenerational project, which means extra costs and potential job losses.—
Eduardo Cuevas,
USA Today,
18 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
While Rising waits to be served a burger and fries on a disposable plate, Brady Smigiel walks toward the quad.—
Brian Hamilton,
New York Times,
17 Oct. 2025
-
For people who live in and around Tucson, flights with connections in Phoenix allow flyers access to what Sky Harbor has to offer without dealing with longer waits for check-in and security and enduring the metro area's traffic, said Austin Wright, spokesman for the Tucson Airport Authority.—
Michael Salerno,
AZCentral.com,
14 Oct. 2025
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Cite this Entry
“Holding patterns.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holding%20patterns. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share