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 expression, however, describes the current-era team, which is once again in a holding pattern awaiting Cody Bellinger’s decision on whether to return to Chicago.
—
Phil Rogers, Forbes, 8 Oct. 2024
Other Fed officials in recent days have expressed support for staying in a holding pattern until policy issues become clearer, though markets are pricing in four or five cuts this year.
—Jeff Cox, CNBC, 4 Apr. 2025
But since federal law does not currently allow year-round daylight saving time, those states are in a holding pattern until Congress passes the bill to make the change.
—Rebecca Cohen, NBC News, 8 Mar. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for holding pattern
Phil Rogers, Forbes, 8 Oct. 2024
Other Fed officials in recent days have expressed support for staying in a holding pattern until policy issues become clearer, though markets are pricing in four or five cuts this year.
—Jeff Cox, CNBC, 4 Apr. 2025
But since federal law does not currently allow year-round daylight saving time, those states are in a holding pattern until Congress passes the bill to make the change.
—Rebecca Cohen, NBC News, 8 Mar. 2025
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
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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This is critical because Samsung was falling behind in security updates just as the Android world obsesses about its delays on Android OS upgrades as well.—
Zak Doffman,
Forbes.com,
8 Apr. 2025
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After over two hours of rain delay and a full postponement on Saturday, the Red Sox and Cardinals decided to maximize their time together.—
Gabrielle Starr,
Boston Herald,
7 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Warning: Spoilers ahead for Karma The crime K-drama Karma delivers much of its suspense through a nonlinear narrative.—
Kayti Burt,
Time,
4 Apr. 2025
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The key to Hitchcock suspense is not about the blood.—
Mikey O'Connell,
HollywoodReporter,
3 Apr. 2025
Noun
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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
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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
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 20 Apr. 2025.
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