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
Many businesses in his industry have been in a holding pattern for much of the past 18 months.
—
Alicia Wallace,
CNN Money,
27 May 2026
Any third-round holding pattern couldn’t drag on too far, though.
—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
20 May 2026
Depending on your perspective, Tesla appears to be either in a holding pattern or slight decline, with slowing sales growth and withering fundamentals.
—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
19 May 2026
Also, as of this writing, the ceasefire situation with Hamas seems to be stuck in a holding pattern after the Hamas-Israel war, and no new progress can be achieved in any reconstruction, peace negotiations or relief for the Palestinian people.
—
Diane Gensler,
Baltimore Sun,
19 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for holding pattern
Alicia Wallace,
CNN Money,
27 May 2026
Any third-round holding pattern couldn’t drag on too far, though.
—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
20 May 2026
Depending on your perspective, Tesla appears to be either in a holding pattern or slight decline, with slowing sales growth and withering fundamentals.
—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
19 May 2026
Also, as of this writing, the ceasefire situation with Hamas seems to be stuck in a holding pattern after the Hamas-Israel war, and no new progress can be achieved in any reconstruction, peace negotiations or relief for the Palestinian people.
—
Diane Gensler,
Baltimore Sun,
19 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for holding pattern
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holding pattern
Noun
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Since Ecuador lost, Hincapié will serve his red-card suspension during the team’s next international match.
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The report, released Tuesday, says the jury found that students with disabilities in the district face high rates of absenteeism and suspensions.
Noun
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But the heat has led to cancellations and delays in several states.
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The city commission reached a major step forward on the project after months of delays and disagreements over the best way to replace the old City Hall, which was damaged beyond repair by the historic flooding of April 2023.
Noun
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The stage is set for unbelievable tension and suspense-building, and it's executed perfectly through Spielberg's directorial prowess with memorable scenes from raptors in the kitchen to a T-Rex in the toilet.
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The Internet has unintentionally killed the suspense for nearly everything, up to and including concerts.
Noun
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The wait for Taylor Swift to drop photos from her wedding to Travis Kelce is on.
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Next up is a mouthwatering quarterfinal against Naomi Osaka, a Wimbledon occasion that will hopefully be worth the wait.
Noun
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Los Angeles Cold Storage expanded several times throughout the twentieth century, becoming the city’s most prominent cold storage company, according to the Conservancy.
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Lineage, which describes itself as the world's largest owner of cold storage facilities, experienced a fire at another of its warehouses, in Finley, Washington, which ripped through the entire building and burned for two months in 2024.
Cite this Entry
“Holding pattern.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holding%20pattern. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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