holding pattern

noun

Definition of holding patternnext
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

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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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of holding pattern Ariane 6 has made a difference for Europe, but for the rest of the commercial launch industry, a holding pattern remains as Falcon 9 backstops all. — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 17 Aug. 2026 Perhaps the Switch 2 is Nintendo’s holding pattern amidst an industry in peril. — Mitch Wallace, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026 A bit like a holding pattern is used for aircraft waiting to land at an overly busy airport. — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 26 July 2026 But the Heat, like all of the teams pursuing James, is essentially in a holding pattern on filling those needs. — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for holding pattern
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holding pattern
  1. suspension
  2. delay
  3. suspense
  4. wait
  5. cold storage
Noun
  • Equally responsible for this Bentley’s milestone handling are the Supersports’ electronic limited-slip differential, rear-wheel steering, suspension aided by a 48-volt active anti-roll bar, and enormous carbon-silicon-carbide brakes.
    — Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 25 Oct. 2026
  • If a violation is found, schools can impose sanctions up to suspension or expulsion, and both parties have the right to appeal.
    — Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of suspension
Noun
  • By contrast, recent restrictions or delays suggest a greater emphasis on managing relations with Beijing and avoiding unnecessary escalation.
    — Ningrong Liu, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The delay raises a broader question about A24’s international release strategy at a time when social media can turn a film into a global cultural event overnight.
    — Alex Ritman, Variety, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of delay
Noun
  • To be fair, the fault here lies equally with the scripts, which dump information without first creating suspense.
    — Alison Herman, Variety, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The holiday atmosphere can provide an extra element of suspense when done right, as in these four notable films.
    — David Faris, TheWeek, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of suspense
Noun
  • Howard County's only hospital will soon have a new unit on its grounds, part of an ongoing strategy to try and reduce wait times in the emergency room (ER).
    — Dennis Valera, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Many diners would vociferously argue that Wok-Inn is always worth any wait.
    — Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of wait
Noun
  • This is a cold washed process bean, meaning the cherry pulp is washed away from the bean before it’s put in cold storage for 72 hours and then dried.
    — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 19 Oct. 2026
  • This 20,000-square-foot campus in Englewood, housed in a former mattress factory, will have much more space for food packing and cold storage.
    — Kathleen Toner, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of cold storage

Browse Nearby Words

holding (past)
holding pattern
holding patterns
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Cite this Entry

“Holding pattern.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holding%20pattern. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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