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
Sticking to a holding pattern with predictability is the natural response when your job is at stake.
—
Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025
The league is currently in a holding pattern at 30 teams after introducing San Diego FC this past season.
—Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 18 Aug. 2025
The Fed started its holding pattern, largely worried Trump’s tariffs would reignite inflation.
—Danny Bakst, Fortune, 9 July 2025
Major economic indicators have been in a holding pattern for the past few months, with consumers and businesses behaving cautiously as President Trump’s trade war has played out.
—Tobias Burns, The Hill, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for holding pattern
Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025
The league is currently in a holding pattern at 30 teams after introducing San Diego FC this past season.
—Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 18 Aug. 2025
The Fed started its holding pattern, largely worried Trump’s tariffs would reignite inflation.
—Danny Bakst, Fortune, 9 July 2025
Major economic indicators have been in a holding pattern for the past few months, with consumers and businesses behaving cautiously as President Trump’s trade war has played out.
—Tobias Burns, The Hill, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for holding pattern
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holding pattern
Noun
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The situation could result in potential discipline for the Ravens, ranging from fines or loss of draft picks to possible suspensions if the NFL determines a serious violation occurred.—
Cole Sullivan,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 Oct. 2025
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Porsche also outfitted a new form of active suspension to the Turbo S, which uses one of the pumps from the Panamera’s trick new Active Ride suspension to drive actuators at each of the car’s four corners.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
27 Oct. 2025
Noun
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What To Know Propel surveyed 2,463 active SNAP users between October 20 and 21, 2025, to assess how a potential delay in SNAP payments would impact them.—
Aliss Higham,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Oct. 2025
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On Friday evening, airports in Phoenix, Houston and San Diego were reporting delays because of staffing issues, and the Federal Aviation Administration warned that staffing problems were also possible at airports in the New York area, Dallas and Philadelphia.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
25 Oct. 2025
Noun
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That ups the ante on suspense over who as big a star of the moment as Roan might be saluting, as fans match up their ideal pairings.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
28 Oct. 2025
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Gilligan’s trademark cold opens, which can transport us halfway around the world or introduce new characters, remain a masterly way of calibrating suspense.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
27 Oct. 2025
Noun
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After a two-hour wait, Wanda Bright had finally reached the front of the line — just as the first batch of supplies ran out.—
Jenny Abamu,
NPR,
24 Oct. 2025
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There are nationwide nurse shortages, declining numbers of primary care providers, overflowing hospitals, and ever-increasing ER wait times.—
Dr. Bryce Pulliam,
Time,
24 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Speaking of unsafe, the walk-in cooler that’s supposed to keep food in cold storage at or under 41 degrees measured 65 degrees.—
David J. Neal,
Miami Herald,
20 Oct. 2025
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Although the bacterium can contaminate many types of food, cheeses or deli meats that are kept in cold storage for long periods in stores or at home are a place where listeria can keep growing.—
Matthew Robinson,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Holding pattern.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holding%20pattern. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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