Synonyms of holding patterns

holding patterns

noun

plural of holding pattern

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

• suspensions
• suspenses
• cold storages
• deep freezes
• quiescences
• dormancies
• abeyances
• suspended animations
• latencies
• moratoriums
• comas
• recessions
• torpors
• hypnoses
• doldrums
• inertias
• inactions
• recesses
• rests
• slumbers
• sleeps
• reposes
• impasses
• standstills
• hibernations
• remissions
• layoffs
• downtimes

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• continuations
• continuances
• renewals
• resuscitations
• resumptions
• recommencements

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

• delays
• waits
• holdups
• holdbacks
• detentions
• pauses
• deferrals
• postponements
• setbacks
• detainments
• hesitations
• respites
• deferments
• lags
• foot-draggings
• slowdowns
• reprieves

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• rushes
• dispatches
• hastes
• promptitudes

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of holding patterns

The incursions forced Chișinău International Airport to temporarily suspend arrivals and departures Tuesday, sending incoming flights into holding patterns or diverting them to neighboring countries, according to tracking data. — Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 10 Sep. 2026

Several flights bound for the capital landed at airports outside Moldova or were forced into holding patterns, according to data from Flightradar24. — Gwladys Fouche, USA Today, 9 Sep. 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

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