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.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of launchpad
The status of both Cannes and Venice as awards launchpads is at an all-time high.
—
Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 7 Apr. 2025
SpaceX launches most of these military satellites for the Pentagon on its Falcon 9 rockets, which take off from launchpads SpaceX has set up at military bases in Florida and California.
—Eric Schmitt, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2025
Through sponsorship models that allow companies to donate tickets to students and early-career professionals, the event has become a true launchpad for multi-generational leadership.
—Angela Chan-Danisi, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
The Series Mania Forum’s Co-Pro Pitching Sessions have served as a key launchpad for high-profile international series, with past winners including The Twelve (Flemish Belgium) and Blackport (Iceland).
—Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for launchpad
Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 7 Apr. 2025
SpaceX launches most of these military satellites for the Pentagon on its Falcon 9 rockets, which take off from launchpads SpaceX has set up at military bases in Florida and California.
—Eric Schmitt, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2025
Through sponsorship models that allow companies to donate tickets to students and early-career professionals, the event has become a true launchpad for multi-generational leadership.
—Angela Chan-Danisi, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
The Series Mania Forum’s Co-Pro Pitching Sessions have served as a key launchpad for high-profile international series, with past winners including The Twelve (Flemish Belgium) and Blackport (Iceland).
—Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for launchpad
Recent Examples of Synonyms for launchpad
Noun
-
Mattress pads help protect your mattress from inevitable bacteria and body oils, as well as add an extra layer of comfort to your bed.—
Izzy Baskette,
People.com,
8 May 2025
-
Their advice: Stay on top of your exfoliation with chemical exfoliants, or, right before your makeup, use an exfoliating pad like First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads.—
Marci Robin,
Allure,
8 May 2025
Noun
-
Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.—
Fernando Cervantes Jr,
USA Today,
18 May 2025
-
December 2003: Jennifer meets Fotis at the Aspen airport.—
Lizz Schumer,
People.com,
17 May 2025
Noun
-
On Thursday, June 13th, Clooney landed at a private airfield in the Los Angeles area.—
Jake Tapper,
New Yorker,
13 May 2025
-
Airlines have been proactively altering their schedules, partly by canceling some flights in and out of Newark, to address the current limitations at the airfield.—
Zach Wichter,
USA Today,
12 May 2025
Noun
-
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
-
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 21 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share