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
For decades, the H-1B visa has served as a gateway for some of India’s brightest minds to enter the US workforce, acting as a crucial launchpad for building long-term careers in America.
—
Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2025
Sheri Bronstein, Bank of America’s chief people officer, emphasized the enhanced starting salary is designed as a launchpad for long-term, sustainable careers within the organization.
—Dave Smith, Fortune, 18 Sep. 2025
Girl premiered in competition earlier this month at the Venice Film Festival, a coveted launchpad for a first-time filmmaker.
—Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 18 Sep. 2025
The companies that will win the next wave of AI adoption will be the ones that turn privacy into a launchpad and trust into their unfair advantage.
—Jagbir Kaur, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for launchpad
Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2025
Sheri Bronstein, Bank of America’s chief people officer, emphasized the enhanced starting salary is designed as a launchpad for long-term, sustainable careers within the organization.
—Dave Smith, Fortune, 18 Sep. 2025
Girl premiered in competition earlier this month at the Venice Film Festival, a coveted launchpad for a first-time filmmaker.
—Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 18 Sep. 2025
The companies that will win the next wave of AI adoption will be the ones that turn privacy into a launchpad and trust into their unfair advantage.
—Jagbir Kaur, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for launchpad
Recent Examples of Synonyms for launchpad
Noun
-
To prevent it from shifting, use a rug pad or corner grippers that secure it in place and stop the corners from curling.—
Maria Sabella,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 Oct. 2025
-
That pad will go on hiatus for a spell, however, as it's overhauled to accommodate Starship V3.—
Mike Wall,
Space.com,
14 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The Transportation Security Administration sent requests to airports nationwide to air the video on screens near passenger screening lines.—
Lillian Rizzo,Leslie Josephs,
CNBC,
14 Oct. 2025
-
Reduced staffing levels, on top of more staff taking sick leave, has meant many airports are experiencing significant delays as there are not enough air traffic controllers to ensure the safety of air travel at all times.—
Jasmine Laws,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Supplying Tomahawk missiles, which can travel 1,500 miles, could enable Ukraine to hit targets deep inside Russian territory, including military bases, logistics hubs, airfields, and command centers.—
Bart Jansen,
USA Today,
12 Oct. 2025
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The island’s ports and airfields now serve as critical hubs for refueling, resupply, and surveillance.—
Amir Daftari,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Ukraine begged former President Joe Biden and German leaders to no avail to provide long-range missiles that could hit distant Russian aerodromes and eliminate strategic bombers at the source.—
Trudy Rubin,
Twin Cities,
8 June 2025
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Ukraine begged former President Joe Biden and German leaders to no avail to provide long range missiles that could hit distant Russian aerodromes and eliminate strategic bombers at the source.—
Trudy Rubin,
Mercury News,
7 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Launchpad.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/launchpad. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.
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