Holding pattern
Holding pattern noun - An instance or period of being prevented from going about one's business.
Usage example: the couple has been trapped in this holding pattern for six months, as adoption officials create more red tape
Pause and holding pattern are semantically related. In some cases you can use "Pause" instead a noun phrase "Holding pattern".
Pause
Pause noun - A momentary halt in an activity.
Holding pattern and pause are semantically related. Sometimes you can use "Holding pattern" instead a noun "Pause".
Mutual synonyms
Related pairs
- check and holding pattern
- check and pause
- rest and holding pattern
- rest and pause
- reprieve and holding pattern
- reprieve and pause
- stall and holding pattern
- stall and pause
- recess and holding pattern
- recess and pause
- interval and holding pattern
- interval and pause
- interruption and holding pattern
- interruption and pause
Cite this Source
Pause and Holding pattern. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 22, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/holding_pattern/pause
Holding pattern & Pause. N.p., 2016. Web. 22 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/holding_pattern/pause>.
Pause or Holding pattern. 2016. Accessed July 22, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/holding_pattern/pause.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "holding pattern" and "pause" have occurred on timeline