HOLDING PATTERNS Synonyms: 56 Similar and Opposite Words

holding patterns

noun

plural of holding pattern

as in suspensions

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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as in delays

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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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 patterns So should investors expect these trades to build up momentum again, or are these holding patterns set to continue? — Davis Giangiulio, CNBC, 8 Mar. 2026 Some of the most common causes for the delays were the gate not being ready, taxiway congestion, holding patterns, runway queues, crew or equipment delay and weather restrictions. — Marina Watts, PEOPLE, 22 Dec. 2025 Inbound flights that had been placed in holding patterns were cleared to land, and no cancellations were reported. — Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for holding patterns

Noun

Their suspensions can remain in effect for one year unless TDLR or a court orders otherwise.

— Doug Myers, CBS News, 26 Aug. 2026
Owners are subject to possible fines or suspensions for violating the personal conduct policy.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of suspensions

Noun

Flight delays, unexpected crises, intense periods of business development, or simply the weight of responsibility can all disrupt a leader’s sleep.

— Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
However, delays remain a major challenge as shipyards struggle with capacity, materials, and experienced workers.

— Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of delays

Noun

At Ningbo, Gemini services were waiting an average of four to five days, while non-Gemini vessels were facing waits of three to six days, according to Hapag-Lloyd.

— Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 27 Aug. 2026
Stephen Hunt, chief development officer for VRT, told the council that virtually every rider complaint from long waits at the Senior Center to circuitous routes traced back to a lack of funding rather than mismanagement.

— Noah Daly August 20, Idaho Statesman, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of waits

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holding pattern

holding patterns

holdings

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“Holding patterns.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holding%20patterns. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of holding patterns

noun

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