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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The suspension also does not extend to industry-specific tariffs that Trump imposed on steel, aluminum and auto imports.—
Joey Garrison,
USA Today,
9 Apr. 2025
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During the three-month suspension, the charity plans to carry out an assessment about whether its teams will be able to return to work.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
8 Apr. 2025
Noun
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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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Recent disruptions in key trade routes, from commercial shipping issues in the Red Sea to automotive production delays following floods in Europe, have exposed weaknesses in our supply chains.—
Kevin Novak,
Forbes.com,
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
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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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From there, the wait begins — standard processing can take anywhere from three to six months, sometimes more.—
Alex Ashley,
Rolling Stone,
9 Apr. 2025
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The wait is over: Netflix’s long-running dark satirical anthology series, Black Mirror, officially returns on April 10.—
Monica Mercuri,
Forbes.com,
9 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 25 Apr. 2025.
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