as in pad
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 launchpad
Ukraine has accused Russia of stationing troops and weapons at the plant and using it as a launchpad for attacks across the Dnipro River.
—
Hanna Arhirova, Chicago Tribune, 20 Mar. 2025
SpaceX recovered the Super Heavy booster after launch on Thursday — guiding it to a precision landing back at the launchpad.
—Jackie Wattles, CNN, 17 Jan. 2025
The festival also maintains its reputation as a launchpad for fresh talent, with close to half of the projects directed by first-time filmmakers.
—Lise Pedersen, Variety, 6 Mar. 2025
Democratic lawmakers, united in their fury over DOGE, are diverging on how to use President Trump's address to Congress next week as the effective launchpad for Resistance 2.0.
—Andrew Solender, Axios, 28 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for launchpad
Hanna Arhirova, Chicago Tribune, 20 Mar. 2025
SpaceX recovered the Super Heavy booster after launch on Thursday — guiding it to a precision landing back at the launchpad.
—Jackie Wattles, CNN, 17 Jan. 2025
The festival also maintains its reputation as a launchpad for fresh talent, with close to half of the projects directed by first-time filmmakers.
—Lise Pedersen, Variety, 6 Mar. 2025
Democratic lawmakers, united in their fury over DOGE, are diverging on how to use President Trump's address to Congress next week as the effective launchpad for Resistance 2.0.
—Andrew Solender, Axios, 28 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for launchpad
Recent Examples of Synonyms for launchpad
Noun
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Aside from cosmetic shortcuts like highlighters, the fastest way to get a glowing complexion is to exfoliate, whether that’s by using a scrub, peel, or pad.—
Emily Orofino,
Vogue,
2 Apr. 2025
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The launch pad endured a lightning strike on April 27, but SpaceX said the rocket was healthy for the attempt.—
Richard Tribou,
The Orlando Sentinel,
1 Apr. 2025
Noun
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More than a few artists have watched tours crumble from an airport terminal.—
Alex Ashley,
Rolling Stone,
9 Apr. 2025
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What Really Happens When Passengers Ignore Law Enforcement If Andre and English had moved on past the officers, the result might have been exactly what happened to flyer David C. at the Cincinnati airport.—
Andrew Wimer,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Ukraine launched dozens of drones over large swathes of Russia overnight Monday, with three military airfields said to be among the targets.—
Raja Krishnamoorthi,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Apr. 2025
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The airport expects to complete Concourse D renovations by fall 2026 and spring 2027 for Concourse E. For airfield operations, Charlotte Douglas commissioned its North End Around Taxiway project in January.—
Chase Jordan,
Charlotte Observer,
22 Mar. 2025
Noun
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The aim is to commercialize both piloted and autonomous civilian aircraft and the $1.4 billion will be spent creating a city-wide infrastructure for flying vehicles, with over 100 take-off and landing points in Guangzhou, a large general aviation aerodrome and a fleet of airborne taxis.—
Mike Hanlon,
New Atlas,
13 Aug. 2024
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And a huge concrete area that looked like an aerodrome was awaiting rebuilding as a new suburb.—
Charlie Hobbs,
Condé Nast Traveler,
24 May 2024
Cite this Entry
“Launchpad.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/launchpad. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.
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