Thesaurus results for LAUNCHPAD

launchpad

noun

Definition of launchpad

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.

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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 Many emerging designers were early to invest in footwear development, using unusual design as a launchpad for their fashion labels. — Madeleine Schulz, Vogue, 6 Oct. 2026 The risk is real because most launchpads are near a body of water. — Selam Gebrekidan, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026 Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket, for example, recently exploded on the launchpad. — Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2026 But about 90 seconds before their rocket was supposed to launch, a fire erupted on the launchpad. — Tariq Malik, Space.com, 26 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for launchpad

Recent Examples of Synonyms for launchpad

Noun

Not all of those flights will originate from Starbase, which hosts two orbital pads.

— Mike Wall, Space.com, 15 Oct. 2026
That same dock features Vortex Wash, which automatically cleans the robot’s dirty wiping pads in about a minute.

— Matthew Huff, Time, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of pad

Noun

More than 350 flights were canceled or delayed at Moscow airports, local media reported, as planes were grounded in response to incoming drones.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026
Iranian missiles and drones struck several Gulf states repeatedly including the UAE, hitting five star hotels and Dubai’s airport.

— Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of airport

Noun

The 50-ton boulder was found about 30 feet below the surface of the airfield while crews excavated the South Detention Basin, a stormwater management facility, as part of the ORDNext terminal expansion project.

— Sara Tenenbaum, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026
The deal would greenlight nearly a dozen renovation projects from the concourses to the airfield, the airport announced in a press release Wednesday.

— Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of airfield

Noun

The former often requires irregular cargo like radar systems, missile launchers, helicopters, engineering gear, bridge-laying equipment, etc, delivered to areas with no existing aerodromes.

— Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 5 July 2026
Jean-Christophe Verhaegen / AFP via Getty Images The aircraft, registered in Germany, crashed in a grassy area near the runway of the Nancy-Essey aerodrome, close to a residential area and two roads, an AFP journalist reported.

— CBS News, CBS News, 28 June 2026

Definition of aerodrome

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launching

launchpad

launchpads

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“Launchpad.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/launchpad. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of launchpad

noun

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