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
-
The temporary suspensions are limited and do not affect any requirements that are grounded in state and federal law, district officials said.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Shortly after the Army confirmed the pilots' suspensions, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth reposted Kid Rock's video of the helicopter on X on Tuesday, March 31.—
Madison E. Goldberg,
PEOPLE,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Caltrans advised drivers to use the prior exit to reach their destinations and avoid delays.—
George Avalos,
Mercury News,
4 Apr. 2026
-
Police said to expect delays in the area and that all traffic eastbound is being detoured onto exit 40.—
Mirna Alsharif,
NBC news,
4 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Some restaurants, like l’Entrecôte de Paris, which is known for its steak frites (fries), only accept walk-ups and in-person waits.—
Eve Chen,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2026
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As more Transportation Security Administration agents called out from work, there was increasing frustration for air travelers confronted by long waits at some airport security lines.—
Kevin Freking,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Holding patterns.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holding%20patterns. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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