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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Trade Truce Helped The Market Rally On Monday, the White House announced a 90-day suspension on new tariffs targeting Chinese imports.—
Adam Sarhan,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2025
-
County Judge Mardi Levey Cohen has accepted a 10-day suspension and will be publicly reprimanded.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
15 May 2025
Noun
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After months of delays, a resentencing hearing to determine whether the Menendez brothers should be released from prison after serving more than three decades is set to begin Tuesday.—
Jane Onyanga-Omara,
USA Today,
14 May 2025
-
The Series completed two episodes of season one before snow in Utah caused a major delay in production.—
Tony Maglio,
HollywoodReporter,
13 May 2025
Noun
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Her dialogue-light hospital mission is a marvel of suspense generated through point of view; walking down hospital corridors dressed as a nurse isn’t inherently exciting.—
Jesse Hassenger,
Vulture,
14 May 2025
-
Was that decision intentional to play into the suspense of whether Joe is actually going to get caught?—
Carly Thomas,
HollywoodReporter,
25 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Residents calling the department’s Medicaid call center during 2023 had average wait times of 32 minutes.—
Christopher O’Donnell,
Miami Herald,
17 May 2025
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Beyoncé made the wait worthwhile, though fans had a right to feel frustrated.—
Bob Gendron,
Chicago Tribune,
16 May 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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Funds from investors using the program often go to Regional Centers, which distribute money into different projects, from highway construction to resort hotels to cold storage facilities in rural areas.—
Tommy Tuberville,
Newsweek,
6 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Holding pattern.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holding%20pattern. Accessed 20 May. 2025.
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