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

Black students were overrepresented in special education and school suspensions, while simultaneously being underrepresented in gifted programs and advanced courses.

— Shaun Harper, AJC.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Other suspensions Pearce was one of four suspensions the NFL handed out Friday.

— Maura Carey, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of suspensions

Noun

The audit found the programme was already six to 12 months behind schedule because of construction delays and shortages of key components.

— Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 16 Aug. 2026
Shipping through the crucial waterway has come to an almost complete standstill causing delays to projects which were even largely complete before war broke out.

— Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of delays

Noun

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
While Waymo aims for robotaxis to replace car ownership, current issues like long waits and the inability to easily store personal items hinder this long-term vision.

— Brad Templeton, Forbes.com, 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 23 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of holding patterns

noun

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