launch 1 of 2

verb

ˈlȯnch How to pronounce launch (audio)
Definition of launchnext
1
as in to establish
to be responsible for the creation and early operation or use of after retiring, he launched a small company devoted to making medical devices

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2
as in to begin
to take the first step in (a process or course of action) she launched a career in journalism after quitting acting school

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3
as in to throw
to send through the air especially with a quick forward motion of the arm infantrymen launching grenades at the nest of machine gunners

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launch

2 of 2

noun

1
as in takeoff
a rising from a surface at the start of a flight (as of a rocket) the reporters held their collective breath as they silently watched the space shuttle's launch

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in start
the point at which something begins we are at the launch of a new age of space exploration

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 launch
Verb
China reportedly launched at least two examples between May 2022 and January 2023. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 11 July 2026 Erling Haaland, with seven goals, is a long-term Nike face, while Harry Kane, on six, represents Skechers, a brand that launched its football boots with him. — Sam Leveridge, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
Noun
Japan seeks to catch up with the technology Elon Musk’s SpaceX has been using for several years to cut launch costs of delivering payloads into space. — ABC News, 10 July 2026 Edward Jones Ventures, an in-house venture capital arm funded by the firm’s general partners, has backed 15 small businesses since its launch last year. — Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 10 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for launch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for launch
  1. establish
  2. begin
  3. throw
  4. takeoff
  5. start
  6. initiate
  7. commence
  8. hurl
Verb
  • The move came after the Fort Worth Zoning Commission voted on July 8 not to recommend that the city council adopt a sweeping proposal that would bring data centers into the city’s zoning code and establish development standards for them.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 July 2026
  • However, stabilization over the past few weeks has allowed for an oversold upturn in the weekly stochastics and consecutive weeks of improving momentum, which increases the likelihood that EWZ has established a low.
    — Katie Stockton, CNBC, 13 July 2026
Definition of establish
Verb
  • The foursome began a two-year, multi-million-dollar journey that preserved the building’s original craftsmanship while modernizing the design, plumbing, and electrical.
    — Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
  • Crews from multiple local and state agencies began an extensive search, and his body was recovered early Monday, family members confirmed.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 July 2026
Definition of begin
Verb
  • All the gold is gone, and there’s barely enough to pay her soldiers, let alone throw a lavish coronation.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
  • California’s court systems have also thrown their weight behind the plaintiffs in the case.
    — Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Definition of throw
Noun
  • Designed for short fields Unlike conventional regional aircraft, the EL9 relies on hybrid-electric propulsion and blown-lift technology to achieve extremely short takeoffs and landings.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 15 July 2026
  • The aircraft will offer a new Autobrake system, too, increasing safety and comfort during takeoffs and landings.
    — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 15 July 2026
Definition of takeoff
Noun
  • Despite a nerve-wracking 1-0 start (before Bellingham knocked in a deuce), Jagger was seen looking grim and pacing around the VIP box.
    — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026
  • Mike Hughes didn’t need an OTA practice, let alone a season with 17 starts and the second-most interceptions by a rookie in franchise history, to know the Falcons landed an impact player in safety Xavier Watts last summer.
    — Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 14 July 2026
Definition of start
Verb
  • Patients would initiate the request, to be reviewed by health professionals within 15 days, and then confirm it after a period of reflection lasting at least two days.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 July 2026
  • The investment firm initiated coverage of the space technology name with an outperform rating.
    — Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 14 July 2026
Definition of initiate
Verb
  • Just before the trial was set to commence in May, Lively dropped her lawsuit and settled with Baldoni and Wayfarer.
    — Jack Dunn, Variety, 9 July 2026
  • Jockeying has already commenced in the state for the person who might take up the mantle of Senate Democratic nominee, including among those who didn't secure the gubernatorial nomination.
    — Barbara Sprunt, NPR, 8 July 2026
Definition of commence
Verb
  • The protest turned violent, with some hurling Molotov cocktails into the bank.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 10 July 2026
  • Nobody, save biblical Job, has had more misery hurled at them.
    — Alex Pulaski, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
Definition of hurl

Browse Nearby Words

laughters
launch
launched
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Cite this Entry

“Launch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/launch. Accessed 16 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on launch

Nglish: Translation of launch for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about launch

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