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
Examples 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
But crews onsite at the center evaluated launch facilities after the storm and cleared the spacecraft to return to the launchpad.
—
Ashley Strickland, CNN, 14 Oct. 2024
The post in part criticized reports that SpaceX violated environmental regulations by using the Starship launchpad's water deluge system in Texas without authorization.
—Michael Sheetz, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2024
Recommended Hope In the shadow of war, life begins anew in a Congolese maternity ward
An attempt to launch last month was postponed hours before liftoff over a small helium leak in ground equipment on SpaceX’s launchpad.
—Joey Roulette and Gerry Doyle, The Christian Science Monitor, 10 Sep. 2024
These institutions serve as launchpads, providing the resources, support, and community that enable Black students to not only envision their futures but also to shape them boldly.
—Quincy Green, Billboard, 9 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for launchpad 
Ashley Strickland, CNN, 14 Oct. 2024
The post in part criticized reports that SpaceX violated environmental regulations by using the Starship launchpad's water deluge system in Texas without authorization.
—Michael Sheetz, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2024
Recommended Hope In the shadow of war, life begins anew in a Congolese maternity ward
An attempt to launch last month was postponed hours before liftoff over a small helium leak in ground equipment on SpaceX’s launchpad.
—Joey Roulette and Gerry Doyle, The Christian Science Monitor, 10 Sep. 2024
These institutions serve as launchpads, providing the resources, support, and community that enable Black students to not only envision their futures but also to shape them boldly.
—Quincy Green, Billboard, 9 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for launchpad
Recent Examples of Synonyms for launchpad
Noun
-
One, Manning, 5 feet 8, who runs like a steam engine in pads, is not to be impeded, nor are his teammates, who routed Newington, 50-0 on Sunday.Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 8 Dec. 2024
-
Launch Complex 39 includes three launch pads — 39A, 39B, 39C — as well as the formidable Vehicle Assembly Building, the Launch Control Center and the famed countdown clock.Dewayne Bevil, Orlando Sentinel, 6 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
American carries about 90% of the airport’s passengers ( Most are connecting) while Delta carries about 2%.Ted Reed, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
-
Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA TODAY, 18 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
King County had prohibited Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from using an airfield for removal flights in 2019 when Trump was last in office.Mark R. Weaver, Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2024
-
Six large structures will be built offsite, transported across the airfield and connected to each other to form the new terminal.Tasha Tsiaperas, Axios, 19 Nov. 2024
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
Thesaurus Entries Near launchpad
Cite this Entry
“Launchpad.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/launchpad. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share