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
Like other economic factors, including capital expenditures and consumer spending levels, employment conditions are in a holding pattern as companies wait to see where U.S. tariff policy lands amid President Trump’s ongoing trade war and his fragile truce with top trading partner China.
—
Tobias Burns, The Hill, 3 June 2025
Normally her social media is overwhelmed by memes about missing home and her mother, two topics weighing on her heart over the seven months she was stuck in a migratory holding pattern in Mexico City, where The Christian Science Monitor first met her.
—Whitney Eulich, Christian Science Monitor, 2 June 2025
East Daley Analytics, an energy infrastructure consultant, claims that the gas market will operate in a cautious holding pattern for the time being.
—Bryce Erickson, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
However, there likely will be no victory laps nor corks popped from the Fed: Inflation may have been on a cooling course, but the Trump administration’s tariffs — the bulk of which are in a temporary holding pattern — threaten to reverse that progress.
—Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for holding pattern
Tobias Burns, The Hill, 3 June 2025
Normally her social media is overwhelmed by memes about missing home and her mother, two topics weighing on her heart over the seven months she was stuck in a migratory holding pattern in Mexico City, where The Christian Science Monitor first met her.
—Whitney Eulich, Christian Science Monitor, 2 June 2025
East Daley Analytics, an energy infrastructure consultant, claims that the gas market will operate in a cautious holding pattern for the time being.
—Bryce Erickson, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
However, there likely will be no victory laps nor corks popped from the Fed: Inflation may have been on a cooling course, but the Trump administration’s tariffs — the bulk of which are in a temporary holding pattern — threaten to reverse that progress.
—Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for holding pattern
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holding pattern
Noun
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The memo also calls for the temporary suspension of LEP.gov, a federal website for people with limited English proficiency.—
Kaelan Deese,
The Washington Examiner,
14 July 2025
-
At least one opposition party has called for his suspension.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
14 July 2025
Noun
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Trump in his Saturday letters to von der Leyen and Sheinbaum announced a 30 percent tariff rate on goods imported into the U.S. beginning Aug. 1, after an initial 90-day pause and deadline delay lapses on the import taxes.—
Steff Danielle Thomas,
The Hill,
12 July 2025
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Elite performances have been on display, but much of the spotlight has been on delays caused by heatwaves and lightning storms, welfare concerns from coaches and players, attendance figures and questions around commercial integrity.—
Claire Poole,
Forbes.com,
12 July 2025
Noun
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The dinosaurs revert to instinct and viciously attack humans, thereby creating chilling suspense for audiences.—
Blake D. Morant,
Forbes.com,
8 July 2025
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An uphill finish adds suspense to a normally low-key last day.—
Alicia Victoria Lozano,
NBC news,
4 July 2025
Noun
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Across the United States, the average wait time is 48 days between when a patient initially contacts a provider for mental healthcare and their first appointment.—
Amanda Marlar,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
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Vance's visit disrupted park operations as security measures increased, resulting in prolonged wait times and temporary ride closures for other guests, according to The Independent.—
Amanda Castro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 July 2025
Noun
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Although the bacterium can contaminate many types of food, cheeses or deli meats that are kept in cold storage for long periods in stores or at home are a place where listeria can keep growing.—
Matthew Robinson,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 July 2025
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To activate the packs, simply squeeze the bag and the liquid inside will immediately begin to cool without any need for a freezer or cold storage system.—
Merrell Readman,
Travel + Leisure,
21 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Holding pattern.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holding%20pattern. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
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