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
More than any other event, Annecy remains the industry’s standard-bearer — a showcase for the biggest studio and streaming projects, a launchpad for independent voices from around the world and, perhaps most importantly, the premier scouting ground for the next generation of animation talent.
—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
19 June 2026
The room is supposed to be a charming gathering nook where my family can hang out, not a control room outfitted with complex launchpads.
—
Jill Kargman,
Architectural Digest,
16 June 2026
But late last month, New Glenn exploded in a fireball during a test, badly damaging its sole launchpad in Florida.
—
The Week Us,
TheWeek,
16 June 2026
The more revealing number was not on the launchpad.
—
Robert J. Szczerba,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for launchpad
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
19 June 2026
The room is supposed to be a charming gathering nook where my family can hang out, not a control room outfitted with complex launchpads.
—
Jill Kargman,
Architectural Digest,
16 June 2026
But late last month, New Glenn exploded in a fireball during a test, badly damaging its sole launchpad in Florida.
—
The Week Us,
TheWeek,
16 June 2026
The more revealing number was not on the launchpad.
—
Robert J. Szczerba,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for launchpad
Recent Examples of Synonyms for launchpad
Noun
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Pre-soaked toner pads are infused with active ingredients to help smooth skin and enhance hydration, while the anti-aging moisturizer combines NAD+ and hyaluronic acid for a firmer, more radiant look.
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The company is currently rebuilding the pad, and working to determine what caused the anomaly.
Noun
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Why China is moving fast with robot hospitality China has already embraced service robots in hotels, restaurants, airports and public spaces.
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Miles of security fencing now surround the National Mall, with extensive road closures and airport-style screening at entrances to both the Great American State Fair and the Salute to America event.
Noun
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For amphibious groups such as the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, that means greater situational awareness while operating far from shore and without dependence on nearby airfields.
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In honor of Father’s Day, the king also shared a photo taken 55 years ago, an August 1971 image from the airfield of Cranwell Air Base in Lincolnshire.
Noun
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Fifty-seven-year-old Keiron Beau James Hedges was charged with one count of threatening to destroy, damage, or endanger the safety of a Commonwealth aerodrome.
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While a lot of the Garmin D2 Mach 2 Pro’s features are shared with Garmin’s other top watches, the Mach line also provides flight-first features too, including an airport database and aerodrome reports.
Cite this Entry
“Launchpad.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/launchpad. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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