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
The Yankees have been in a holding pattern through the first half of the offseason, with the club’s only external addition to this point being righty reliever Cade Winquest in the Rule 5 Draft.
—
Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 4 Jan. 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
Stock markets are largely in a holding pattern today as investors wait for the rate decision.
—Jim Edwards, Fortune, 10 Dec. 2025
What the new coach faces The Hornets are in a holding pattern of sorts in football.
—Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 5 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for holding pattern
Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 4 Jan. 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
Stock markets are largely in a holding pattern today as investors wait for the rate decision.
—Jim Edwards, Fortune, 10 Dec. 2025
What the new coach faces The Hornets are in a holding pattern of sorts in football.
—Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 5 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for holding pattern
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holding pattern
Noun
-
Scott compiled a 46–120 overall record and 15–84 mark in conference play before his suspension.—
Tobias Bass,
New York Times,
21 Feb. 2026
-
Still, Supermicro has had to battle back from a previous trading suspension from the Nasdaq stock exchange in 2018 and a panel decision to delist the stock.—
Amanda Gerut,
Fortune,
20 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The agency has struggled to meet federal and state deadlines, with over one-third of cash assistance cases still facing delays as of late 2024 and throughout 2025.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Every month of permitting delays or grid interconnection backlogs is a month where investment risks flowing elsewhere.—
Stuart Loren,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
This show doesn’t immediately reveal who killed whom, instead jumping back and forth in time to maintain the suspense.—
Savannah Salazar,
Vulture,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Both seasons deliver slow-burn suspense and shifting perspectives.—
Hanna Wickes,
Kansas City Star,
20 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Officials say the wait will be worth it because the old bridge is notorious for delays.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
17 Feb. 2026
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The wait tends to form around cafés, bakeries and restaurants that are deeply intentional about sourcing, craft and presentation.—
Ryma Chikhoune,
Footwear News,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
According to investigators, the thieves have targeting Hispanic businesses over the past few months and taking everything from the cash in the register to alcohol in cold storage.—
Jennifer McRae,
CBS News,
18 Feb. 2026
-
Monthlies are $2,850, and get you a doorman, bike room, elevator, laundry, super, package room, extra storage (including cold storage), and a gym.—
Katie McDonough,
Curbed,
16 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Holding pattern.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holding%20pattern. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.
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