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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of holding pattern
Overall, the labor market has been in a holding pattern for much of the last six months, with employers reluctant to add many people to their payrolls but also hesitant to lay people off.
—
Scott Horsley, NPR, 3 Apr. 2026
The holding pattern gives space for others to jump in and shape the market.
—Justin Worland, Time, 26 Mar. 2026
As staffers await new leadership, projects have floundered, many in a holding pattern awaiting funding.
—Erika Edwards, NBC news, 24 Mar. 2026
Either way, at least the agonizing holding pattern would be over.
—Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 21 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for holding pattern
Scott Horsley, NPR, 3 Apr. 2026
The holding pattern gives space for others to jump in and shape the market.
—Justin Worland, Time, 26 Mar. 2026
As staffers await new leadership, projects have floundered, many in a holding pattern awaiting funding.
—Erika Edwards, NBC news, 24 Mar. 2026
Either way, at least the agonizing holding pattern would be over.
—Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 21 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for holding pattern
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holding pattern
Noun
-
The Republican president said the ceasefire includes a suspension of all kinetic activity and the exchange of 1,000 prisoners by each country.—
Darlene Superville,
Chicago Tribune,
9 May 2026
-
Some are backing away from exclusionary discipline like suspensions and expulsions and have embraced schoolwide approaches that reward positive behavior and provide social skills practice through games and role-playing.—
Stacker,
Hartford Courant,
9 May 2026
Noun
-
Heidi Vonblum, the city’s planning director, said the delay will allow the city to help neighborhoods that have suffered from past city zoning practices, including zoning based on race or ethnicity.—
David Garrick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 May 2026
-
Gas prices, which tend to follow moves in oil with a delay, were slightly higher on May 7.—
Michael Loria,
USA Today,
8 May 2026
Noun
-
Maia Chance is the national bestselling author of multiple mystery and suspense novels, including her latest domestic thriller (featuring a tradwife), The Ravine, out now.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
4 May 2026
-
While Aliens is best known for its iconic action sequences, there is plenty of intrigue, suspense, and drama during the quieter moments.—
Grace Dean,
Space.com,
2 May 2026
Noun
-
Tables turn quickly even with 20 parties ahead of you — about a 20-minute wait.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Insurance coverage for mental illnesses further complicates the problem of consistent care because the number of visits to mental health professionals are usually limited, and there are often long waits to see providers.—
Jeffrey Freedman,
Sun Sentinel,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Nicole TungFrozen Spanish mackerel in cold storage at a facility owned by a Thai family of commercial fishers in Samut Sakhon, Thailand, in January 2025.—
Jay Ganglani,
NBC news,
3 May 2026
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The other buildings will be capable of supporting warehousing, distribution, cold storage or other light industrial uses.—
Zachary Hansen,
AJC.com,
29 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Holding pattern.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holding%20pattern. Accessed 11 May. 2026.
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