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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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
Adding a human to a cockpit requires many more millions of dollars in cost, including small items such as the explosive bolts needed to launch ejector seats and specialized helmets. — Phillips Payson O’Brien, The Atlantic, 18 July 2026 Iran launched attacks on Saudi Arabia for the first time in about three months, according to two people familiar with the matter, triggering early warning alarms in Al-Kharj, east of the capital Riyadh, and at Yanbu on the kingdom's Red Sea coast. — Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 18 July 2026
Noun
The launch fits into a broader push for better-sleep products aimed at consumers who want to unwind at night without giving up the comfort of a familiar treat. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson july 17, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 July 2026 The launch of La Favorite comes after Gaultier introduced its collection of six fragrances, called Les Ateliers Gaultier, last month. — Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 17 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
  • Boras generally prefers his clients to establish their values on the open market.
    — Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 21 July 2026
  • And last year’s constitutional reforms had already established a one-party system in a country where opposition leaders no longer exist, because they have been exiled.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 21 July 2026
Definition of establish
Verb
  • In addition to its ongoing pursuit of LeBron James, the Heat also would like to add another veteran shooter and another veteran big man but might begin the season with only 14 under contract.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 18 July 2026
  • Construction is expected to begin in summer 2026 and be completed by early 2027.
    — Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 18 July 2026
Definition of begin
Verb
  • Stockton threw the most passing touchdowns of any high school quarterback in state history (177) as a four-year starter for the Wildcats.
    — Jack Leo, AJC.com, 20 July 2026
  • The midfielder was deemed to have delayed a restart by throwing the ball away.
    — Graham Scott, New York Times, 19 July 2026
Definition of throw
Noun
  • This gives the aircraft the precise short takeoff and landing (STOL) performance needed to operate from a ship's deck.
    — David Szondy July 21, New Atlas, 22 July 2026
  • Autonomous VTOLs offer lower-cost operation and no risk to human pilots in dangerous situations, plus the vertical takeoff and landing aircraft are able to operate in small spaces without the need for expansive runways.
    — Ed Garsten, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Definition of takeoff
Noun
  • Blake Snell has just started a rehab assignment and is multiple starts away from returning to the rotation after surgery to remove bone chips from his left elbow.
    — Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 21 July 2026
  • Seven of those games were starts, and one outing came after Hart opened the Padres’ July 2 game at Dodger Stadium.
    — Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 July 2026
Definition of start
Verb
  • Even after watching replays, the ref stuck with his original call that Mbappe had initiated the contact, which was palpable nonsense.
    — Graham Scott, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • Barclays initiates Forte Biosciences as overweight Barclays says shares of the biotech company are compelling.
    — Michael Bloom, CNBC, 21 July 2026
Definition of initiate
Verb
  • Iran has reportedly instructed Yemen's Houthis to prepare to close the Bab el-Mandeb Strait if the US strikes Iranian power infrastructure, which has commenced.
    — Frank Ahrens, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
  • With a fury inside him, Garfield unleashes violence against them and commences the rebellion.
    — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 16 July 2026
Definition of commence
Verb
  • Truelove, who has a criminal history as well as mental health issues, instead approached Melvin and hurled a racial slur at the co-host before he was detained.
    — Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 17 July 2026
  • Zeus and Poseidon are at it again—one hurling thunderbolts, the other whipping the sea into a frenzy.
    — Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 17 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 23 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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