as in pad
an area from which a rocket is launched
—often used figuratively
The TV cameras were focused on the launchpad as the time for liftoff approached. The program she hosted on local radio was the launchpad for her network career.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Example Sentences
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 launchpad
The partnership serves as a launchpad for creativity, exploration and cultural connection for Andaz Hotels and Hebru Brantley, merging art and hospitality for a unique travel experience.
—
Julia Teti, WWD, 27 Feb. 2025
The launch will also include the return and catch of the Super Heavy booster that will blast the rocket off the launchpad.
—Greg Wehner, Fox News, 26 Feb. 2025
The lineup is filled with major premieres, from headliners starring A-list talent to indies that could serve as launchpads for the next wave of exciting voices.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 25 Feb. 2025
The Strip, used as a launchpad for attacks against Israel and a breeding ground for radicalization, has become a symbol of failure - not just for Hamas, but for the Palestinian leadership that has failed to reform its own society.
—Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 6 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for launchpad
Julia Teti, WWD, 27 Feb. 2025
The launch will also include the return and catch of the Super Heavy booster that will blast the rocket off the launchpad.
—Greg Wehner, Fox News, 26 Feb. 2025
The lineup is filled with major premieres, from headliners starring A-list talent to indies that could serve as launchpads for the next wave of exciting voices.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 25 Feb. 2025
The Strip, used as a launchpad for attacks against Israel and a breeding ground for radicalization, has become a symbol of failure - not just for Hamas, but for the Palestinian leadership that has failed to reform its own society.
—Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 6 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for launchpad
Recent Examples of Synonyms for launchpad
Noun
-
The Future May Be Port-Free Just imagine: no USB-C connector at the base of the phone, with only charging through a charging pad as an option, and with data synced exclusively wirelessly.—
David Phelan,
Forbes,
19 Mar. 2025
-
While there is no number pad, Selecting between cooking options is easy using the dial and display.—
Meg St-Esprit,
Bon Appétit,
18 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Control tower at Myanmar airport collapsed Satellite photos from Planet Labs PBC analyzed by the AP show the earthquake toppled the air traffic control tower at Naypyitaw International Airport as if sheered from its base.—
Time,
Time,
29 Mar. 2025
-
The gathering near the airport had been planned as a peaceful rally, but trouble began when some protesters in a white pickup drove at a police barricade.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
29 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Another 124 individuals were also shipped to San Salvador’s airfield under different federal laws.—
Philip Elliott,
TIME,
17 Mar. 2025
-
In the incident captured in the new viral video, Trump was taking questions from journalists at a military airfield when a reporter nudged a boom microphone across his face, apparently by accident.—
Mark Davis,
Newsweek,
15 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
The aim is to commercialize both piloted and autonomous civilian aircraft and the $1.4 billion will be spent creating a city-wide infrastructure for flying vehicles, with over 100 take-off and landing points in Guangzhou, a large general aviation aerodrome and a fleet of airborne taxis.—
Mike Hanlon,
New Atlas,
13 Aug. 2024
-
And a huge concrete area that looked like an aerodrome was awaiting rebuilding as a new suburb.—
Charlie Hobbs,
Condé Nast Traveler,
24 May 2024
Cite this Entry
“Launchpad.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/launchpad. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share