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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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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Recent Examples of holding pattern
Anxiety about the election has forced businesses of all sizes into an uncomfortable holding pattern that ultimately could negatively impact their bottom lines and the US economy as a whole, experts say.
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Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN, 24 Oct. 2024
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
So, in early 1962, Merrell and the FDA were still in this weird, familiar holding pattern: waiting for clinical evidence, data that would either exonerate or further implicate thalidomide.
—Katie Hafner, Scientific American, 3 Oct. 2024
Behind the scenes, Democrats were left in an awkward holding pattern.
—Philip Elliott, TIME, 19 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for holding pattern 
Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN, 24 Oct. 2024
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
So, in early 1962, Merrell and the FDA were still in this weird, familiar holding pattern: waiting for clinical evidence, data that would either exonerate or further implicate thalidomide.
—Katie Hafner, Scientific American, 3 Oct. 2024
Behind the scenes, Democrats were left in an awkward holding pattern.
—Philip Elliott, TIME, 19 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for holding pattern
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holding pattern
Noun
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The announcement did not give a reason for the suspension.Abby Sewell, Los Angeles Times, 28 Dec. 2024
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The Franchise Tax Board issued its own suspension in 2022.Jeff Mcdonald, The Mercury News, 27 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Supply Chain Woes The top trend remains supply chain woes, with delays at Airbus, Boeing, engine makers and other suppliers.Ted Reed, Forbes, 1 Jan. 2025
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Lexi admits that some of the family needed more convincing than others, particularly their California relatives, who worried about potential travel delays.Tabitha Parent, People.com, 31 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Next came David Baldacci, who is known for his suspense novels and legal thrillers.Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 27 Dec. 2024
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All of them function as an impressive combination of suspense and underdog sports story.Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 26 Dec. 2024
Noun
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The initial location will be equipped with drive-thru lanes, kiosks and back-of-house tech that will employ real-world data to reduce wait times and keep food stocked and fresh.Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY, 18 Dec. 2024
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Some longtime residents grew irritated by the strain on city services, such as wait times for public health services, a housing shortage and rising rents.Maria Ramirez Uribe and Amy Sherman, Journal Sentinel, 18 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Those include cold storage and logistic giant Lineage’s $17.8 billion float and private equity group CVC's $15 billion listing.Iain Martin, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024
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Actually, the whole system through covid was able to get more cold storage.Dana Taylor, USA TODAY, 16 Nov. 2024
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 5 Jan. 2025.
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