liftoff

noun

ˈlift-ˌȯf How to pronounce liftoff (audio)
Definition of liftoffnext
as in launch
a rising from a surface at the start of a flight (as of a rocket) everyone was quiet in the control room as they waited for lift-off

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 liftoff The Falcon 9 deployed all four payloads within about an hour of liftoff. — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 24 July 2026 Time of liftoff Fortunately for SpaceX, the weather forecast looks much better Friday, July 24. — Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 24 July 2026 Each cup has a shimmering finish, making every sip feel ready for liftoff. — Jess Fleming, Twin Cities, 21 July 2026 As the new issue is currently enduring aggressive price discovery and traded down to $122 Friday morning following the automatic abort of Starship Flight 13 just seconds before liftoff. — Jeff Kilburg, CNBC, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for liftoff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for liftoff
  1. launch
  2. takeoff
Noun
  • Stringr The launch near where the trio was found is roughly seven miles southwest of a different boat launch, where a car belonging to one of the women was discovered with a window broken out, state police said in a statement Wednesday.
    — Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Hypersonic launch capabilities enhance the new Virginia class further, analysts said, noting that testing of a hypersonic glide vehicle is well underway.
    — Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of launch
Noun
  • But there comes a point when removing weight isn’t enough to make a safe takeoff possible.
    — Rio Yamat, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026
  • The Federal Aviation Administration does not set a single maximum temperature for takeoff.
    — Rio Yamat, Fortune, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of takeoff

Browse Nearby Words

lifting
liftoff
liftoffs
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Cite this Entry

“Liftoff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/liftoff. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on liftoff

Nglish: Translation of liftoff for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about liftoff

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