as in airports
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 launchpads
College graduates earn significantly higher lifetime incomes, have access to better healthcare, and are far more likely to achieve upward social mobility — because their degrees serve as proxies for experience and are favored by employers, these credentials are career launchpads.
—
CBS News, 19 Jan. 2026
The majority of the biggest rounds across the sector have been for startups based in those two countries, with both emerging as key launchpads into new markets and battlefield training.
—Kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 11 Dec. 2025
Once reliable job launchpads in gateway fields such as finance, consulting, and journalism now routinely demand two or more years of prior experience.
—Bruno V. Manno, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Or the way Karl Lagerfeld turned Grand Palais into supermarkets, icebergs, and rocket launchpads.
—Karissa Mitchell, Essence, 17 Aug. 2025
CBS News, 19 Jan. 2026
The majority of the biggest rounds across the sector have been for startups based in those two countries, with both emerging as key launchpads into new markets and battlefield training.
—Kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 11 Dec. 2025
Once reliable job launchpads in gateway fields such as finance, consulting, and journalism now routinely demand two or more years of prior experience.
—Bruno V. Manno, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Or the way Karl Lagerfeld turned Grand Palais into supermarkets, icebergs, and rocket launchpads.
—Karissa Mitchell, Essence, 17 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for launchpads
Noun
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European airports are warning of a systemic jet fuel shortage that could impact flight operations within weeks.—
Zach Wichter,
USA Today,
16 Apr. 2026
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United and American control 46% of capacity in Los Angeles, 45% at the three New York airports, and 70% of the capacity of the two Chicago airports.—
Chris Isidore,
CNN Money,
15 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The mission was the 3rd in less than 30 hours for SpaceX among its 2 Florida and 1 California launch pads.—
Richard Tribou,
The Orlando Sentinel,
19 Apr. 2026
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Shop cooling mat for dogs If the airline permits cooling pads for your dog’s kennel, consider the LE SURE Premium Cooling Blanket.—
Jessie Quinn,
USA Today,
18 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Behind the scenes, her military reportedly drew up plans to blow up airfields in the event of an American invasion.—
Nikhil Kumar,
Time,
15 Apr. 2026
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They may also be used to saturate and destroy remaining airfields, command centers, and logistic hubs.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
5 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Launchpads.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/launchpads. Accessed 22 Apr. 2026.
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