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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Recent Examples of launchpad
Liftoff will happen here in West Texas from a launchpad on a mammoth ranch owned by Jeff Bezos.
—
CBS News, 13 Apr. 2025
Its ever-changing setup has become a launchpad for budding DJs, an oasis for those in search of lively dance floor and an unlikely intimate venue for bigger artists.
—Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2025
Meanwhile, competing services are on the launchpad, including from rival billionaire Jeff Bezos’ Amazon.
—Jeremy Bogaisky, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
The Thing With Feathers becomes the latest example that validates Sundance as still a good launchpad for indie fare, though sellers and buyers have to be patient, and the numbers fall as time goes on.
—Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for launchpad
CBS News, 13 Apr. 2025
Its ever-changing setup has become a launchpad for budding DJs, an oasis for those in search of lively dance floor and an unlikely intimate venue for bigger artists.
—Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2025
Meanwhile, competing services are on the launchpad, including from rival billionaire Jeff Bezos’ Amazon.
—Jeremy Bogaisky, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
The Thing With Feathers becomes the latest example that validates Sundance as still a good launchpad for indie fare, though sellers and buyers have to be patient, and the numbers fall as time goes on.
—Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for launchpad
Recent Examples of Synonyms for launchpad
Noun
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Mattress pads help protect your mattress from inevitable bacteria and body oils, as well as add an extra layer of comfort to your bed.—
Izzy Baskette,
People.com,
8 May 2025
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Their advice: Stay on top of your exfoliation with chemical exfoliants, or, right before your makeup, use an exfoliating pad like First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads.—
Marci Robin,
Allure,
8 May 2025
Noun
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Videos shared on social media by the news agency of the Philippine government showed chaos at the airport, and a black SUV crashed into the entryway of the terminal.—
Lex Harvey,
CNN Money,
4 May 2025
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Annoying airport delays, congested highways and spiraling vacation costs can result in stress and anxiety.—
Roger Sands,
Forbes.com,
4 May 2025
Noun
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The airfield was closed at the time and military operations were not impacted.—
Alexandra Koch,
FOXNews.com,
26 Apr. 2025
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The Gary/Chicago International Airport Authority has acquired a small but critical parcel needed for its $67 million 100-acre cargo expansion project on the airfield’s north side.—
Carole Carlson,
Chicago Tribune,
10 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Its population — estimated at 18 in 2019 — consists only of Norwegian military personnel who operate its military aerodrome and meteorological station.—
Rachel Treisman,
NPR,
3 Apr. 2025
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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
Cite this Entry
“Launchpad.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/launchpad. Accessed 11 May. 2025.
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