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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of launchpad
Organizers said the overall event is set to generate more than 75 million pounds in direct economic benefits for London and the U.K.
SXSW London’s Screen Festival is aiming to be a launchpad for talent from across the world, with films that stretch across various genres and disciplines.
—
Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 23 Apr. 2025
Since it was first launched by Lorne Michaels in 1975, SNL has been a launchpad for some of the world's biggest comedic talents.
—Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Apr. 2025
The status of both Cannes and Venice as awards launchpads is at an all-time high.
—Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 7 Apr. 2025
SpaceX launches most of these military satellites for the Pentagon on its Falcon 9 rockets, which take off from launchpads SpaceX has set up at military bases in Florida and California.
—Eric Schmitt, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for launchpad
Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 23 Apr. 2025
Since it was first launched by Lorne Michaels in 1975, SNL has been a launchpad for some of the world's biggest comedic talents.
—Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Apr. 2025
The status of both Cannes and Venice as awards launchpads is at an all-time high.
—Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 7 Apr. 2025
SpaceX launches most of these military satellites for the Pentagon on its Falcon 9 rockets, which take off from launchpads SpaceX has set up at military bases in Florida and California.
—Eric Schmitt, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for launchpad
Recent Examples of Synonyms for launchpad
Noun
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The two mop pads, which are removable, oscillate and actually reach out beyond the circular form of the robot vacuum.—
Yelena Moroz Alpert,
Architectural Digest,
19 May 2025
-
Keep scrolling to find more markdowns on tents, sleeping pads, and more adventure-ready essentials.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
18 May 2025
Noun
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The issue of Chinese students has long been a point of friction between the two countries, with previous visa delays and airport interrogations sparking tensions.—
Amanda Castro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 May 2025
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The building is close to Interstate 77, the airport, and uptown Charlotte.—
Chase Jordan,
Charlotte Observer,
29 May 2025
Noun
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On Thursday, June 13th, Clooney landed at a private airfield in the Los Angeles area.—
Jake Tapper,
New Yorker,
13 May 2025
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Airlines have been proactively altering their schedules, partly by canceling some flights in and out of Newark, to address the current limitations at the airfield.—
Zach Wichter,
USA Today,
12 May 2025
Noun
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Its population — estimated at 18 in 2019 — consists only of Norwegian military personnel who operate its military aerodrome and meteorological station.—
Rachel Treisman,
NPR,
3 Apr. 2025
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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
Cite this Entry
“Launchpad.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/launchpad. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.
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