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
Scary Movie served as a launchpad for Faris’ comedy career.
—
Skyler Trepel, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Oct. 2025
GitHub later became the launchpad for tools like Copilot, anchoring Microsoft back at the center of the modern developer stack.
—Mackenzie Sigalos, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2025
Hamas has governed Gaza and its roughly two million inhabitants ever since - and also used it as a launchpad for attacks in its long term war to destroy Israel.
—Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025
As traditional commissioning streams run dry, industry focus has shifted toward digital-first models, with YouTube emerging as both a testing ground for original series and a launchpad for new IP.
—Ben Croll, Variety, 14 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for launchpad
Skyler Trepel, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Oct. 2025
GitHub later became the launchpad for tools like Copilot, anchoring Microsoft back at the center of the modern developer stack.
—Mackenzie Sigalos, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2025
Hamas has governed Gaza and its roughly two million inhabitants ever since - and also used it as a launchpad for attacks in its long term war to destroy Israel.
—Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025
As traditional commissioning streams run dry, industry focus has shifted toward digital-first models, with YouTube emerging as both a testing ground for original series and a launchpad for new IP.
—Ben Croll, Variety, 14 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for launchpad
Recent Examples of Synonyms for launchpad
Noun
-
One-hand clips on the nursing bra give access when the other arm is holding a baby and adjustable pads help with changing coverage needs across the day.—
Footwear News,
Footwear News,
11 Nov. 2025
-
The extreme survival competition is returning to its Monday 8 PM slot, serving as a launch pad for Memory of a Killer.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
11 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Advertisement The expected reopening also eases pressures on the airline industry, which was grappling with staffing shortfalls in airport security and air-traffic control, resulting in delays at major airports across the country just two weeks ahead of the busy Thanksgiving travel season.—
Nik Popli,
Time,
11 Nov. 2025
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Until a deal is officially inked, airlines must continue to follow the Federal Aviation Administration’s emergency order to incrementally reduce flight capacity at 40 major US airports, up to 10%.—
Alexandra Skores,
CNN Money,
11 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Though the cause of the crash has not yet been released, NTSB officials said the left engine detached from the plane and was found on the airfield.—
Alexandra Koch,
FOXNews.com,
5 Nov. 2025
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Shortly after takeoff, the plane, a McDonnell Douglas MD-11, went down about 3 miles south of the airfield.—
Julia Gomez,
USA TODAY,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
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
-
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 30 Nov. 2025.
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