Synonyms of holding pattern

holding pattern

noun

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

• suspension
• suspense
• cold storage
• suspended animation
• coma
• deep freeze
• moratorium
• latency
• abeyance
• recession
• quiescence
• dormancy
• inertia
• rest
• recess
• doldrums
• inaction
• inertness
• standstill
• slumber
• hypnosis
• impasse
• sleep
• hibernation
• motionlessness
• remission
• downtime
• torpor
• layoff
• repose
• idleness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• continuation
• continuance
• renewal
• resuscitation
• resumption
• recommencement

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

• delay
• wait
• holdup
• detention
• deferral
• postponement
• deferment
• setback
• pause
• holdback
• detainment
• lag
• hesitation
• respite
• slowdown
• reprieve
• foot-dragging

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• rush
• haste
• dispatch
• promptness
• promptitude

Examples of holding pattern in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

No, until Biden announced his plans to step aside on Sunday afternoon, the Harris orbit was largely kept in a loyal holding pattern. —Philip Elliott, TIME, 26 July 2024

Whether Airbus’s stop-and-go holding pattern will leave room for another planemaking competitor to step up and grab some market share remains to be seen. —Melvin Backman, Quartz, 15 July 2024

So any holding pattern is the byproduct of preferring to leave options open to pursue something meaningful --not a reluctance to spend. —Barry Jackson and, Miami Herald, 4 July 2024

The result is a likely holding pattern for drought responses over the next two years, according to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. —Brandon Loomis, The Arizona Republic, 16 May 2024