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 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 And that again has created a holding pattern throughout the NBA, hardly the best of timing with the league’s 2026-27 signing period opening at noon Monday. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 5 July 2026 Shahidi said flights can normally divert or enter a holding pattern to avoid severe turbulence, but if it can't be seen in advance, there's no chance to prevent an encounter. — Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 25 June 2026 Since then, Fast & Furious has been stuck in a bit of a holding pattern as development on the eleventh installment — expected to be the last in the main series — has hit some speed bumps. — Katie Rife, Entertainment Weekly, 22 June 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
  • The dropping/suspension was the beginning of the end, or at least the most public manifestation of the beginning of the end.
    — Nick Miller, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Bonnell appears to be treating software as another part of the motorcycle's suspension system and something that can be adjusted to suit the rider’s preferences, skill, and terrain.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of suspension
Noun
  • The watchdog warned that shipyard delays are expected to keep more submarines idle through 2030, creating additional costs and reducing the fleet’s operational capacity.
    — Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Due to high traffic, the website is experiencing some technical delays.
    — Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of delay
Noun
  • The fact that the show couldn’t manage even a modicum of suspense with the same material shows how utterly sauceless this adaptation is.
    — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Jennifer McMahon is the best-selling author of 12 suspense novels, including The Winter People and Promise Not to Tell.
    — The Week US, TheWeek, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of suspense
Noun
  • The second-hand market, while lacking the personal touch some owners covet, can deliver the same craftsmanship as a new build without the years-long wait—or exorbitant price tag.
    — Dea Jusufi, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The Navy plans to use Pasadena as a training platform during the wait.
    — Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of wait
Noun
  • Assembly Bill 817 by Assemblymember Mark González (D-Los Angeles) would prohibit the approval of a building permit for a cold storage facility unless the owner or operator of the facility establishes and maintains a contingency fund.
    — Dakota Smith, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Out-of-season fruits and vegetables often log long transit times, sit in cold storage or go through artificial ripening, all of which chip away at flavor and nutrition.
    — Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of cold storage

Browse Nearby Words

holding (past)
holding pattern
holding patterns
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Holding pattern.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holding%20pattern. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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