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
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.
Recent Examples of holding patterns
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
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
-
The Hornets are down two starters thanks to suspensions.—
Roderick Boone,
Charlotte Observer,
21 Feb. 2026
-
Some suspensions are built for smooth comfort, while others may be a bit stiffer to prioritize handling.—
Keenan Thompson,
USA Today,
21 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
This is not the first time the Artemis program has suffered from technical delays, either.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
22 Feb. 2026
-
Those with air travel plans should be prepared for widespread flight cancellations, delays and ground stops.—
Jessica Schladebeck,
New York Daily News,
21 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Back on opening day of the ride, all went well for a couple of hours, then stoppages led to 300-minute waits.—
Dewayne Bevil,
The Orlando Sentinel,
18 Feb. 2026
-
But on Monday, attendance was strong, with the NPS reporting overflowing parking lots and long waits for shuttle services.—
Danielle Kaeding,
Twin Cities,
16 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Holding patterns.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holding%20patterns. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
