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
Colbert got his start in Chicago's Second City Comedy Troupe, which also was the launchpad for such famous faces as Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, John Candy, Steve Carrell, Mike Myers and many more.
—
Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 19 July 2025
The theming will begin with Legoland Spaceport 885 launchpad, and that number is a reference to one of the original Lego Space Scooter sets.
—Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 July 2025
On Wednesday, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying 24 Kuiper satellites lifted off from a launchpad on Florida's Space Coast at 2:30 a.m. ET.
—Annie Palmer, CNBC, 15 July 2025
Bringing back Margot Robbie's Harley Quinn and Viola Davis's character was the launchpad that began a whole new roster for Task Force X.
—Grace Dean, Space.com, 3 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for launchpad
Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 19 July 2025
The theming will begin with Legoland Spaceport 885 launchpad, and that number is a reference to one of the original Lego Space Scooter sets.
—Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 July 2025
On Wednesday, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying 24 Kuiper satellites lifted off from a launchpad on Florida's Space Coast at 2:30 a.m. ET.
—Annie Palmer, CNBC, 15 July 2025
Bringing back Margot Robbie's Harley Quinn and Viola Davis's character was the launchpad that began a whole new roster for Task Force X.
—Grace Dean, Space.com, 3 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for launchpad
Recent Examples of Synonyms for launchpad
Noun
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The 5,000-square-foot resort pool features a water slide, splash pad, poolside bar and grill, and cabanas with room for six.—
Patricia Doherty,
Travel + Leisure,
2 Sep. 2025
-
Standard options on the Nautilus Reserve include a 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control and suspension, lane-keeping assist, a push start, and a wireless charging pad.—
Erik Shilling,
Robb Report,
2 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Style them with sneakers and a tee for the airport, or add Uggs and a coat for a coffee run.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
3 Sep. 2025
-
The couple was en route to the airport after attending the 2025 Venice International Film Festival, per the outlet.—
Angel Saunders,
People.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The Flying Tiger Heritage Park is on the site of an old airfield in Guilin where Chennault once had his command post in a cave.—
Brad Lendon,
CNN Money,
1 Sep. 2025
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If the idea of mingling with nude strangers feels more stressful than serene, instead head to Tempelhofer Feld, a former airfield transformed into a 741-acre expanse (Berlin’s largest outdoor space) perfect for jogging, biking, or an alfresco meal.—
Blane Bachelor,
AFAR Media,
29 Aug. 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
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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 9 Sep. 2025.
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