as in loads
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 payloads
Chandana had no guarantees that India would open up its launch industry to the private sector or even allow government payloads to fly on private rockets.
—
Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 11 May 2026
So far, Starship has launched carrying a small suite of Starlink satellite mass simulator payloads — not an astronaut-friendly interior.
—Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 8 May 2026
As hardware improves, quantum magnetometers could become standard components in future satellite constellations, delivering high-resolution magnetic data with compact payloads that are much cheaper to lift into orbit.
—Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 8 May 2026
The cornerstone of Musk's business empire, SpaceX benefits from billions of dollars in government contracts to provide launch services for classified satellites and other payloads using both its Falcon 9 rocket and its more powerful Falcon Heavy.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 4 May 2026
According to the Army, this speed was made possible through the use of 3D printing for the warhead housing and the Picatinny Common Lethality Integration Kit (CLIK), which serves as a universal interface for attaching lethal payloads to various drone platforms.
—New Atlas, 4 May 2026
As of October 2026, the payloads are Astrolab’s FLIP (FLEX Lunar Innovation Platform) rover, Astrobotic’s own CubeRover, and several additional payloads to the moon.
—Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 May 2026
Both rockets released their payloads—think ion guages, magnetometers, and vapor chasers; the latter released colorful puffs of gas—during an auroral substorm.
—Michael D'estries, Travel + Leisure, 7 Apr. 2025
Under Musk’s leadership, SpaceX reduced the cost of launching payloads to orbit by a factor of ten.
—Dev Patnaik, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 11 May 2026
So far, Starship has launched carrying a small suite of Starlink satellite mass simulator payloads — not an astronaut-friendly interior.
—Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 8 May 2026
As hardware improves, quantum magnetometers could become standard components in future satellite constellations, delivering high-resolution magnetic data with compact payloads that are much cheaper to lift into orbit.
—Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 8 May 2026
The cornerstone of Musk's business empire, SpaceX benefits from billions of dollars in government contracts to provide launch services for classified satellites and other payloads using both its Falcon 9 rocket and its more powerful Falcon Heavy.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 4 May 2026
According to the Army, this speed was made possible through the use of 3D printing for the warhead housing and the Picatinny Common Lethality Integration Kit (CLIK), which serves as a universal interface for attaching lethal payloads to various drone platforms.
—New Atlas, 4 May 2026
As of October 2026, the payloads are Astrolab’s FLIP (FLEX Lunar Innovation Platform) rover, Astrobotic’s own CubeRover, and several additional payloads to the moon.
—Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 May 2026
Both rockets released their payloads—think ion guages, magnetometers, and vapor chasers; the latter released colorful puffs of gas—during an auroral substorm.
—Michael D'estries, Travel + Leisure, 7 Apr. 2025
Under Musk’s leadership, SpaceX reduced the cost of launching payloads to orbit by a factor of ten.
—Dev Patnaik, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for payloads
Noun
-
There are loads of under-the-radar towns along these states' coastlines that have their own unique charms and draws.—
Amy Thomas,
Travel + Leisure,
12 May 2026
-
Buckle up for loads of action and a wild ride through SoCal history and haunts.—
Paula L. Woods,
Los Angeles Times,
12 May 2026
Noun
-
The analytics group says that most Middle East cargoes loaded before the war have now been discharged, meaning the inventory drawdown will accelerate and local refining will slow.—
Leonie Kidd,
CNBC,
10 May 2026
-
Still, the latest shipping data shows that most vessels that have transited the Strait of Hormuz in recent days have taken the route designated by Iranian authorities, and about half of them loaded their cargoes at Iranian ports in defiance of the US blockade.—
Henrik Pettersson,
CNN Money,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Observable loadings have declined since the blockade, although the data can be difficult to interpret and often shows up on a delay.—
Anthony Di Paola,
Fortune,
2 May 2026
-
Windward said more than two dozen tankers are confined west of Hormuz as of Wednesday, with the blockade cutting Iranian oil loadings and exports by more than half.—
Emma Bussey,
FOXNews.com,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Another measure, Senate Bill 888, is also seeking to reduce property tax burdens for disabled veterans.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
13 May 2026
-
Shutoffs disproportionately affect households already facing high energy burdens and fewer housing protections.—
Anthony Nicome,
STAT,
13 May 2026
Noun
-
Motorists advised to get oil changes sooner as certain weights become scarce.—
Byron Hurd,
The Drive,
13 May 2026
-
The host does his best to incorporate weights, jumping exercises, and cardio.—
Allison DeGrushe,
StyleCaster,
11 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Payloads.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/payloads. Accessed 17 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
