1
as in suspensions
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 delays
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of holding patterns
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
Inbound flights that had been placed in holding patterns were cleared to land, and no cancellations were reported.
—Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2025
Marina Watts, PEOPLE, 22 Dec. 2025
Inbound flights that had been placed in holding patterns were cleared to land, and no cancellations were reported.
—Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holding patterns
Noun
-
Enforcement would remain aggressive—using wage withholding, license suspensions, liens, and prosecutions for willful non-payment—while always prioritizing fairness and due process.—
Eleanor Dearman,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Feb. 2026
-
Other top athletes including Tulane quarterback Jake Retzlaff have opted to leave BYU when faced with lengthy suspensions for violating the honor code.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Yet the buyback program has suffered yearslong delays and pushback from police, provincial officials and gun owners.—
Max Saltman,
CNN Money,
15 Feb. 2026
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Travelers with airline reservations may be nervously recalling a 43-day government shutdown that led to historic flight cancellations and long delays last year.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
14 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Navigating rigid work schedules, complex appointment systems, and long waits at the doctor’s office offers a whole other set of issues.—
Dan Amos,
Time,
4 Feb. 2026
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At that pace, long waits are facing most of the roughly 20,000 sick and wounded people who Gaza’s Health Ministry has said need treatment abroad.—
Wafaa Shurafa,
Los Angeles Times,
3 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Holding patterns.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holding%20patterns. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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