Thesaurus results for LAUNCHPAD

launchpad

noun

Definition of launchpad

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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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 launchpad As Chinese designers build international careers, Shanghai is increasingly becoming not only a launchpad but also a place to return to, offering access to local consumers, media and commercial partners. — Yiling Pan, Vogue, 22 Sep. 2026 But Northeast’s performance, which emanates joy and a guileless sensuality, deserves to be as much of a launchpad to stardom. — Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 10 Sep. 2026 Some companies become launchpads for people who later build companies, lead teams or create new categories. — Aleksandr Yampolskiy, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2026 These new episodes reflect our heritage as both the home of iconic comedy franchises and a premier launchpad for comedic talent. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 8 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for launchpad

Recent Examples of Synonyms for launchpad

Noun

These microstructures generate molecular-level van der Waals forces that bind the foot pads to surrounding surfaces.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 1 Oct. 2026
It’s equipped with a cushioned running belt and shock-absorbing pads for smooth walks.

— Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of pad

Noun

The service is intended to provide a more streamlined travel experience, including access to private terminals rather than crowded commercial airport facilities.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 3 Oct. 2026
Given today’s risks, frontier labs need to run like nuclear power plants or busy airports, with layers of redundancy and careful, time-consuming planning, so that the occasional and inevitable human error does not open a door to disaster.

— Terrence O'Brien, The Verge, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of airport

Noun

The runway remained closed while authorities evaluated the airplane and determined how to recover and remove it from the airfield, Wright said.

— Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 29 Sep. 2026
Armed British police stopped the men near the Gloucestershire airfield and detained them on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act.

— Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of airfield

Noun

The former often requires irregular cargo like radar systems, missile launchers, helicopters, engineering gear, bridge-laying equipment, etc, delivered to areas with no existing aerodromes.

— Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 5 July 2026
Jean-Christophe Verhaegen / AFP via Getty Images The aircraft, registered in Germany, crashed in a grassy area near the runway of the Nancy-Essey aerodrome, close to a residential area and two roads, an AFP journalist reported.

— CBS News, CBS News, 28 June 2026

Definition of aerodrome

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launching

launchpad

launchpads

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“Launchpad.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/launchpad. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of launchpad

noun

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