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
Either way, at least the agonizing holding pattern would be over.
—
Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 21 Mar. 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
The data reflect one of the ways that life has fallen into a holding pattern for many.
—Bloomberg, Oc Register, 4 Mar. 2026
As for the Dolphins, they will likely be placed in a holding pattern because of the $54 million salary Tagovailoa is guaranteed in 2026.
—Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for holding pattern
Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 21 Mar. 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
The data reflect one of the ways that life has fallen into a holding pattern for many.
—Bloomberg, Oc Register, 4 Mar. 2026
As for the Dolphins, they will likely be placed in a holding pattern because of the $54 million salary Tagovailoa is guaranteed in 2026.
—Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for holding pattern
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holding pattern
Noun
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The independent front suspension gives it that high speed capability.—
Morgan Korn,
ABC News,
17 Apr. 2026
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The suspension was rescinded after massive public backlash, with politicians from both sides of the aisle calling it a government attempt to censor free speech.—
Fernando Cervantes Jr,
USA Today,
17 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Plane outlets are often slow, loose, or even nonexistent, and when delays stack up, a dead phone becomes a real problem—not just an inconvenience.—
Samantha Leal,
Travel + Leisure,
18 Apr. 2026
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The lanes are shut down on the Palmetto between 58th and 36th streeets, causing major delays and backups.—
Milena Malaver,
Miami Herald,
17 Apr. 2026
Noun
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To some umps’ great dismay—and fans’ utter delight—calls are indeed getting overturned, with all the suspense of a Roman emperor deciding on a gladiator’s fate.—
Andrew Nusca,
Fortune,
8 Apr. 2026
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At the half, the Wolverines had established a 48-32 lead over the Wildcats, and, thanks in part to a 26-12 advantage in points off turnovers, Michigan would propel itself to the title game with a suspense-free 91-73 win.—
Anthony Crupi,
Sportico.com,
6 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Cabbies said a 10-year wait for a fare hike was far too long, and the increase is too small, considering gas prices are up and minimum wages for other workers have been better cared for.—
Chris Tye,
CBS News,
14 Apr. 2026
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Other times, the long wait for permanent housing proves demoralizing.—
Andrew Khouri,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The pico de gallo in cold storage for more than 4 1/2 hours still measured 46 degrees, or five degrees too warm.—
David J. Neal,
Miami Herald,
13 Mar. 2026
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Sharing the property are an organic farm with cold storage, six greenhouses, and a bonus space.—
The Week US,
TheWeek,
9 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Holding pattern.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holding%20pattern. Accessed 18 Apr. 2026.
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