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
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.
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Katie Hafner, Scientific American, 3 Oct. 2024
Behind the scenes, Democrats were left in an awkward holding pattern.
—Philip Elliott, TIME, 19 July 2024
But first up on the witness stand was John Idol, CEO of Capri Holdings, who made clear the struggling Michael Kors brand and Capri, which is itself in a kind of holding pattern pending the deal’s closure, can’t afford to wait for the case to wind through the legal system.
—Evan Clark, WWD, 9 Sep. 2024
If DeRozan took that, Miami would be just below the second apron and would not be able to re-sign Caleb Martin or Haywood Highsmith, who remain in a holding pattern while both those players and the Heat explore all their options.
—Barry Jackson and, Miami Herald, 2 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for holding pattern 
Katie Hafner, Scientific American, 3 Oct. 2024
Behind the scenes, Democrats were left in an awkward holding pattern.
—Philip Elliott, TIME, 19 July 2024
But first up on the witness stand was John Idol, CEO of Capri Holdings, who made clear the struggling Michael Kors brand and Capri, which is itself in a kind of holding pattern pending the deal’s closure, can’t afford to wait for the case to wind through the legal system.
—Evan Clark, WWD, 9 Sep. 2024
If DeRozan took that, Miami would be just below the second apron and would not be able to re-sign Caleb Martin or Haywood Highsmith, who remain in a holding pattern while both those players and the Heat explore all their options.
—Barry Jackson and, Miami Herald, 2 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for holding pattern
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holding pattern
Noun
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The appeal comes as stakes are high with TikTok warning that even a month-long suspension would cost it a third of its daily U.S. user base and significant ad revenue.Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024
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Missing players through suspension can contribute to the fine margins which decide games and can upset the rhythm.Simon Johnson, The Athletic, 16 Dec. 2024
Noun
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And that means more time, which might make the delay to millions of upgrades more palatable.Zak Doffman, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
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Customer services from the Social Security Administration (SSA) could be subject to delays in 2025 if funding is agreed on by lawmakers before the end of the year.Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024
Noun
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In crafting the scene’s suspense, editor Joe Walker mapped out where the action and roar of the crowd would peak.Daron James, Los Angeles Times, 6 Dec. 2024
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What’s At Stake in the West Group B offers the most suspense and the most permutations to determine both the pool winner and the potential West wild card.Jack Magruder, Forbes, 3 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 21 Dec. 2024.
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