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
After being in a holding pattern for over a week, the Sparta II has finally been allowed to dock at Tarth's to evacuate the Russian equipment from the base.
—
Raul A. Reyes, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025
It’s expected to pursue policies that some economists warn could accelerate inflation and ultimately force the Fed into a holding pattern on interest rates.
—Andrew Ross Sorkin, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2025
In aviation, real-time data has enabled airports to significantly reduce the need for holding patterns, saving time and fuel, and reducing environmental impact.
—Don Murray, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025
When everything is familiar, our brains go into a kind of holding pattern.
—Janice Kaplan, TIME, 3 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for holding pattern
Raul A. Reyes, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025
It’s expected to pursue policies that some economists warn could accelerate inflation and ultimately force the Fed into a holding pattern on interest rates.
—Andrew Ross Sorkin, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2025
In aviation, real-time data has enabled airports to significantly reduce the need for holding patterns, saving time and fuel, and reducing environmental impact.
—Don Murray, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025
When everything is familiar, our brains go into a kind of holding pattern.
—Janice Kaplan, TIME, 3 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for holding pattern
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holding pattern
Noun
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On April 21, Harvard, which rejected the demands, filed a lawsuit in a Boston federal court challenging the suspension of funds.—
Josh Hammer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 Apr. 2025
-
Suspicious activity could lead to the disqualification of candidates and a permanent suspension of the Athlete of the Week poll.—
Christian Babcock,
Mercury News,
22 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Under cost-cutting orders from the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency, purchasing cards had been frozen, requiring approvals for all but emergency expenses, which sometimes meant lengthy delays.—
Dinah Voyles Pulver,
USA Today,
19 Apr. 2025
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Anyone who pays close attention to the launch industry knows delays are part of the business.—
Stephen Clark,
ArsTechnica,
18 Apr. 2025
Noun
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With puppet animation and visual inventiveness, this Adult Swim series blends satire, suspense and Latin American flair.—
Jamie Lang,
Variety,
15 Apr. 2025
-
The supermarket sequence is the sensational center of this episode, full of suspense and excitement — everything this show does well.—
Noel Murray,
New York Times,
14 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Results are shared through an online portal, removing long wait times or the need to return to the hospital.—
Jennifer Lotito,
Forbes.com,
23 Apr. 2025
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Weekend two of Coachella is here — along with wait times.—
Nicole Fallert,
USA Today,
19 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Security measures include multi-user approval protocols, cold storage for 96% of funds, and advanced encryption for private keys.—
Roomy Khan,
Forbes,
12 Mar. 2025
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As beeping forklifts move pallets of fresh produce from cold storage to waiting 18-wheel trailers, Greene describes a possible nightmare scenario if there are cuts to SNAP, job losses, and disruptions to the USDA’s emergency food assistance programs.—
Rosa Flores,
CNN,
11 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Holding pattern.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holding%20pattern. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.
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