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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 Today's liftoff was the third orbital mission for India in 2026. — Mike Wall, Space.com, 3 Sep. 2026 The Dragon will be perched atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, which will provide the initial burst of thrust at liftoff to get the vehicle and its crew into space. — Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026 On the most recent launch in March, the vehicle broke apart a little more than a minute after liftoff. — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for liftoff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for liftoff
  1. launch
  2. takeoff
Noun
  • Firefly Aerospace announced on Wednesday a multi-launch agreement with SSC Space for two Alpha rocket launches from Sweden’s Esrange Space Center.
    — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Nope, the way van den Berg is wired, nothing else made sense but a full-launch cannonball and a hope that everyone around him might notice the splash.
    — Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of launch
Noun
  • At least two former pilots have said 21 Air did not give their aviators enough time to rest in between flights, violating takeoff-speed protocols and retaliating against anyone who brought safety issues to light.
    — Claire Healy, Miami Herald, 11 Sep. 2026
  • This was followed by the uncrewed Mk 1, built in just seven months to test low-speed takeoff and landing.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 11 Sep. 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 18 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on liftoff

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about liftoff

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