1
as in suspension
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 delay
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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of holding pattern
But bad weather, the need for a series of holding patterns and poor communication between the flight crew and air traffic controllers caused the plane to run out of fuel.
—
Christopher Maag, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2025
Aborted landings, diversions, and holding patterns are all routine procedures designed to enhance air travel safety.
—Zach Wichter, USA TODAY, 13 Feb. 2025
After being in a holding pattern for over a week, the Sparta II has finally been allowed to dock at Tarth's to evacuate the Russian equipment from the base.
—Raul A. Reyes, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025
It’s expected to pursue policies that some economists warn could accelerate inflation and ultimately force the Fed into a holding pattern on interest rates.
—Andrew Ross Sorkin, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for holding pattern
Christopher Maag, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2025
Aborted landings, diversions, and holding patterns are all routine procedures designed to enhance air travel safety.
—Zach Wichter, USA TODAY, 13 Feb. 2025
After being in a holding pattern for over a week, the Sparta II has finally been allowed to dock at Tarth's to evacuate the Russian equipment from the base.
—Raul A. Reyes, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025
It’s expected to pursue policies that some economists warn could accelerate inflation and ultimately force the Fed into a holding pattern on interest rates.
—Andrew Ross Sorkin, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for holding pattern
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holding pattern
Noun
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Still one of the top players in the game, however, his numbers at the plate have declined since his return from an 80-game suspension for performance-enhancing drugs in 2022.—
Houston Mitchell,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2025
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Maybe the three-month suspension Sinner served over a doping dispute this year had left him fresh for this French Open.—
Sean Gregory,
Time,
8 June 2025
Noun
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After a brief rain delay in the bottom of the eighth inning, the Hurricanes again couldn’t string together any hits to cut into the Cardinals’ lead.—
Cameron Priester,
Sun Sentinel,
7 June 2025
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Initial delays were caused by a five-year closing process, which came to an end in 2023.—
Desiree Mathurin,
Charlotte Observer,
6 June 2025
Noun
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Susan Walter is the author of five novels of suspense: Lie by the Pool, Good as Dead, Over Her Dead Body, Letters from Strangers,, and Running Cold.—
Susan Walter
June 6,
Literary Hub,
6 June 2025
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While the premise could result in an overly dour or preachy book, Nguyen's novel zips forward with page-turning suspense, humor, and nuance.—
Andrew R. Chow,
Time,
6 June 2025
Noun
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In healthcare, Canadian hospitals are experiencing record wait times.—
Andy J. Semotiuk,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2025
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Additionally, average call wait times have risen from just over an hour to 86 minutes this year, reaching a peak of 112 minutes in January following the passage of the Social Security Fairness Act.—
Hugh Cameron,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 May 2025
Noun
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Security measures include multi-user approval protocols, cold storage for 96% of funds, and advanced encryption for private keys.—
Roomy Khan,
Forbes,
12 Mar. 2025
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Funds from investors using the program often go to Regional Centers, which distribute money into different projects, from highway construction to resort hotels to cold storage facilities in rural areas.—
Tommy Tuberville,
Newsweek,
6 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Holding pattern.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holding%20pattern. Accessed 12 Jun. 2025.
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