as in cargo
a mass or quantity of something taken up and carried, conveyed, or transported
the space shuttle can carry a maximum payload of approximately 50,000 pounds
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 payload
Mercedes does offer a Sprinter double-cab chassis with up to seven seats, but that would cut into payload and require reengineering the Orca body and/or chassis.
—
C.c. Weiss
march 05, New Atlas, 5 Mar. 2026
The robotic arm, known as Canadarm, was used to deploy, maneuver, and capture payloads for the astronauts.
—IEEE Spectrum, 5 Mar. 2026
Wisniewski said the company is being conservative on New Glenn's first flight with an AST payload.
—Rob Pegoraro, PC Magazine, 4 Mar. 2026
Those boosters and the Vulcan's own main booster eventually separated from the upper-stage, known as Centaur V, which used its two engines to continue propelling the payload to about 22,000 miles high.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 27 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for payload
C.c. Weiss
march 05, New Atlas, 5 Mar. 2026
The robotic arm, known as Canadarm, was used to deploy, maneuver, and capture payloads for the astronauts.
—IEEE Spectrum, 5 Mar. 2026
Wisniewski said the company is being conservative on New Glenn's first flight with an AST payload.
—Rob Pegoraro, PC Magazine, 4 Mar. 2026
Those boosters and the Vulcan's own main booster eventually separated from the upper-stage, known as Centaur V, which used its two engines to continue propelling the payload to about 22,000 miles high.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 27 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for payload
Recent Examples of Synonyms for payload
Noun
-
The step aims to free up Russian cargoes stranded at sea and ease supply shortages caused by the Iran war.—
SYLVIE CORBET,
Arkansas Online,
14 Mar. 2026
-
The tankers also have room to carry cargo or passengers if needed.—
Kim Tong-Hyung,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Accessibility Hotel Thaynes has loads of accessibility accommodations for those who require it.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
19 Mar. 2026
-
Crews are working to clean up after a load of rice was spilled all over an off-ramp in Woodland early Tuesday afternoon.—
Cecilio Padilla,
CBS News,
17 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The terminal accounts for around 90% of the country’s crude exports and has a loading capacity of roughly 7 million barrels per day.—
Azhar Sukri,Greg Iacurci,Terri Cullen,
CNBC,
15 Mar. 2026
-
If the island's loading facilities were knocked out, Iran's ability to export oil would collapse almost immediately.—
Imtiaz Tyab,
CBS News,
14 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Washington state already ranks a dismal 45th out of the 50 states in tax friendliness because of a heavy burden of sales, capital gains, property and excise taxes.—
Betsy McCaughey,
Boston Herald,
16 Mar. 2026
-
The administration argues that the delay removes compliance burdens while allowing proper review of whether the specific provisions—including airline liability, refresher training frequency, pre-departure notifications, and fare reimbursements—are justified and appropriately calibrated.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
15 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Payload.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/payload. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
