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
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.
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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
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
See all Example Sentences for holding pattern 
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
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
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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White and wet Christmas conditions have led to delays for holiday travelers returning home on Thursday as rain and mountain snow batter the Pacific Northwest and strong thunderstorms rumble in the South.Marlene Lenthang, NBC News, 26 Dec. 2024
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That could lead to more errors and longer processing delays for borrowers applying for student loan forgiveness under PSLF and other programs.Adam S. Minsky, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Lionsgate has dated the suspense thriller Hurry Up Tomorrow, the first feature film from pop star The Weeknd, for a May 16, 2025 North American release.Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Dec. 2024
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Lionsgate’s Trey Edward Shults directed and written suspense thriller Hurry Up Tomorrow starring The Weeknd in his big screen debut, Jenna Ortega and Barry Keoghan, is getting a release date of May 16.Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 20 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 2 Jan. 2025.
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