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
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
Where to watch: Max ‘Revelations’ Netflix has become a launchpad for intriguing, genre-bending Korean shows and movies.
—Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 21 Mar. 2025
Networks forged through a multi-year college experience should be a launchpad to financial success, social mobility, and a better future, shaping the trajectory of a person’s career and life in ways that a job straight out of high school can’t replicate.
—Judy D. Olian, TIME, 13 Mar. 2025
The arrival of the W124-generation E-Class — the first Mercedes to use that name — proved an ideal launchpad for their vision.
—Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for launchpad
Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 9 Apr. 2025
Where to watch: Max ‘Revelations’ Netflix has become a launchpad for intriguing, genre-bending Korean shows and movies.
—Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 21 Mar. 2025
Networks forged through a multi-year college experience should be a launchpad to financial success, social mobility, and a better future, shaping the trajectory of a person’s career and life in ways that a job straight out of high school can’t replicate.
—Judy D. Olian, TIME, 13 Mar. 2025
The arrival of the W124-generation E-Class — the first Mercedes to use that name — proved an ideal launchpad for their vision.
—Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for launchpad
Recent Examples of Synonyms for launchpad
Noun
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The launch pad endured a lightning strike on April 27, but SpaceX said the rocket was healthy for the attempt.—
Richard Tribou,
The Orlando Sentinel,
25 Apr. 2025
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Adding a machine-washable pad can provide extra coziness for your pup.—
Jené Luciani Sena
may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom.,
FOXNews.com,
25 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Modi held a meeting with the national security adviser, the foreign minister and other senior officials at the airport and a special security cabinet meeting had been called for 1230 GMT, a defence ministry official said.—
Fayaz Bukhari,
USA Today,
24 Apr. 2025
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The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport.—
Jason Stauffer,
CNBC,
22 Apr. 2025
Noun
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To bring the sequence to life, production designer Mark Digby built a 360-degree set on an old airfield at Bovingdon Airfield Studios by using reference images from Google Earth and Ray’s own recollection.—
Matt Minton,
Variety,
12 Apr. 2025
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Making Warfare Filming took place outside of London at a World War II airfield that’s now a TV and film studio.—
Olivia B. Waxman,
Time,
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 1 May. 2025.
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