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
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of holding patterns
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
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
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
Davis Giangiulio, CNBC, 8 Mar. 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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holding patterns
Noun
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For the Sockers, Stefan Mijatovic was permanently banned from the MASL while Cerda, Luis Morales and Jesus Pacheco were hit with one-game suspensions.—
Ivan Carter,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
23 Apr. 2026
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Others in the auxiliary chapter who had sent care packages to service members for decades had never seen such delays and suspensions, Penrod said.—
Cybele Mayes-Osterman,
USA Today,
16 Apr. 2026
Noun
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One challenge the next state controller will face is the effort to modernize the state’s payroll system, which has encountered significant delays and is one of California’s most costly IT projects.—
William Melhado,
Sacbee.com,
25 Apr. 2026
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Drivers saw delays throughout the day Friday as streets running parallel to and crossing 19th Avenue also slowed while people looked for alternate routes.—
Kenny Choi,
CBS News,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Here are five players who could end up being taken later than the consensus suggests and seven college football standouts who could face long waits.—
Jim Reineking,
USA Today,
23 Apr. 2026
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Columbines are perfect for gardeners seeking quick, stunning blooms without long waits.—
Lauren Landers,
The Spruce,
22 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Holding patterns.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holding%20patterns. Accessed 30 Apr. 2026.
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