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
Adeline Kim, Visa’s country manager for Singapore and Brunei, said the city-state serves as an ideal launchpad due to its high AI literacy, with approximately 77 percent of residents already using generative AI tools and 80 percent relying on AI assistance for online shopping.
—
Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 30 Apr. 2026
For Euphoria creator and producer Sam Levinson, Sunday night’s wedding needed to illustrate this in the most excessive way possible, both to accurately represent the psychology of their characters and act as a launchpad for the rest of the season’s drama.
—Zoe Papelis, Vulture, 27 Apr. 2026
That range used to be a launchpad or proving ground for a lot of future stars.
—Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 25 Apr. 2026
Named for King Mohammed VI and inspired by a rocket on its launchpad, the 820-foot Mohammed VI Tower will feature a luxury Waldorf Astoria hotel, offices, shops, restaurants and upscale apartments.
—ABC News, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for launchpad
Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 30 Apr. 2026
For Euphoria creator and producer Sam Levinson, Sunday night’s wedding needed to illustrate this in the most excessive way possible, both to accurately represent the psychology of their characters and act as a launchpad for the rest of the season’s drama.
—Zoe Papelis, Vulture, 27 Apr. 2026
That range used to be a launchpad or proving ground for a lot of future stars.
—Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 25 Apr. 2026
Named for King Mohammed VI and inspired by a rocket on its launchpad, the 820-foot Mohammed VI Tower will feature a luxury Waldorf Astoria hotel, offices, shops, restaurants and upscale apartments.
—ABC News, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for launchpad
Recent Examples of Synonyms for launchpad
Noun
-
Hathaway, on a two-on-one with Luke Glendening, saw his point-blank slam-dunk try denied by the left pad of Andersen, and in the closing seconds, Dvorak’s shot from the slot, set up by Konecny, rang off the inside of the post.—
Sean Gentille,
New York Times,
10 May 2026
-
The fancy new mops that have a pad are able to get under the toilet with no issues.—
Tim Carter,
Hartford Courant,
9 May 2026
Noun
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Denver Arts & Venues De-icing of planes was also taking place for planes departing from Denver International Airport on Tuesday night, the airport said.—
Dave Aguilera,
CBS News,
6 May 2026
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The train connects passengers to each of the airport’s terminals and a transit facility that includes parking, rental cars, Pace bus stops and connects to a Metra station.—
Kori Rumore,
Chicago Tribune,
6 May 2026
Noun
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When making a midnight bathroom run, the stairs sport LED lighting like runway lights at an airfield.—
Stefan Ionescu
May 06,
New Atlas,
6 May 2026
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These would have included undergrounding utilities and upgrading the airfield.—
Steve Scauzillo,
Daily News,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Fifty-seven-year-old Keiron Beau James Hedges was charged with one count of threatening to destroy, damage, or endanger the safety of a Commonwealth aerodrome.—
Christopher Edwards,
PEOPLE,
24 Apr. 2026
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While a lot of the Garmin D2 Mach 2 Pro’s features are shared with Garmin’s other top watches, the Mach line also provides flight-first features too, including an airport database and aerodrome reports.—
Andrew Williams,
Forbes.com,
16 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Launchpad.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/launchpad. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
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