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 bill had been held in a procedural holding pattern until bill sponsor Rep. Ryan Williams, R-Cookeville, motioned to add it to the next available calendar.
—
Melissa Brown, The Tennessean, 22 Apr. 2024
One by open-source intelligence analyst MT Anderson said Russian ships, likely the Admiral Gorshkov and Admiral Grigorovich frigates, the Novorossiysk Kilo-class submarine and oiler Vyazma were in a holding pattern five miles west of the port.
—Brendan Cole, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024
Finding a new job is tough, but employees generally can collect paychecks through this holding pattern.
—Courtenay Brown, Axios, 26 Nov. 2024
Athletic department budget projections are in a holding pattern with the NCAA and major college conferences considering a possible settlement of an antitrust lawsuit.
—San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for holding pattern 
Melissa Brown, The Tennessean, 22 Apr. 2024
One by open-source intelligence analyst MT Anderson said Russian ships, likely the Admiral Gorshkov and Admiral Grigorovich frigates, the Novorossiysk Kilo-class submarine and oiler Vyazma were in a holding pattern five miles west of the port.
—Brendan Cole, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024
Finding a new job is tough, but employees generally can collect paychecks through this holding pattern.
—Courtenay Brown, Axios, 26 Nov. 2024
Athletic department budget projections are in a holding pattern with the NCAA and major college conferences considering a possible settlement of an antitrust lawsuit.
—San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for holding pattern
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holding pattern
Noun
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President Trump voluntarily dismissed his legal battle with X regarding the social media platform's permanent suspension of the president's account following the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021.—
Axios,
Axios,
8 Feb. 2025
-
Earlier, the administration had issued a freeze on foreign assistance, leading to the suspension of numerous programs designed to combat starvation, provide education, and tackle epidemics.—
Kristan Hawkins,
Newsweek,
7 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Across the economy, such delays could mean a softer job market and more slowly growing economy.—
Paul Davidson,
USA TODAY,
6 Feb. 2025
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The delays were simply too numerous, and the City Council didn’t want to keep extending the deadline for the property’s completion, said Langi.—
Matthew Adams,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
5 Feb. 2025
Noun
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But Shirley’s husband is a dangerous man and soon the new couple’s burgeoning romance is thrust into a spiral of paranoia, suspense and violence.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
6 Feb. 2025
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His performance adds a useful air of melodrama and romantic suspense to a play that is often (for better or worse) unfettered.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
4 Feb. 2025
Noun
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In the coming months, Niccol plans to slash 30% of Starbucks’ menu to simplify its offerings, reduce wait times and improve customer experience.—
Jordan Valinsky,
CNN,
9 Feb. 2025
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His path to a kidney transplant was further complicated by his O-group blood type, which significantly extended his wait time.—
Rick Sobey,
Boston Herald,
7 Feb. 2025
Noun
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However, some lily varieties grown in warmer zones will benefit from removing the bulbs from the ground or planter and placing them in cold storage for a time before replanting.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
23 Jan. 2025
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The Biden administration collaborated with private retail chains to build up cold storage and distribution capacity.—
Mark Zachary Taylor,
The Conversation,
15 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near holding pattern
Cite this Entry
“Holding pattern.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holding%20pattern. Accessed 19 Feb. 2025.
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