as in airports
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 launchpads
Gates 5 and 10 are the only launchpads for more than 10 percent of Kentucky Derby winners.
—
Peter Keating, New York Times, 1 May 2026
College graduates earn significantly higher lifetime incomes, have access to better healthcare, and are far more likely to achieve upward social mobility — because their degrees serve as proxies for experience and are favored by employers, these credentials are career launchpads.
—CBS News, 19 Jan. 2026
The majority of the biggest rounds across the sector have been for startups based in those two countries, with both emerging as key launchpads into new markets and battlefield training.
—Kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 11 Dec. 2025
Once reliable job launchpads in gateway fields such as finance, consulting, and journalism now routinely demand two or more years of prior experience.
—Bruno V. Manno, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Or the way Karl Lagerfeld turned Grand Palais into supermarkets, icebergs, and rocket launchpads.
—Karissa Mitchell, Essence, 17 Aug. 2025
Peter Keating, New York Times, 1 May 2026
College graduates earn significantly higher lifetime incomes, have access to better healthcare, and are far more likely to achieve upward social mobility — because their degrees serve as proxies for experience and are favored by employers, these credentials are career launchpads.
—CBS News, 19 Jan. 2026
The majority of the biggest rounds across the sector have been for startups based in those two countries, with both emerging as key launchpads into new markets and battlefield training.
—Kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 11 Dec. 2025
Once reliable job launchpads in gateway fields such as finance, consulting, and journalism now routinely demand two or more years of prior experience.
—Bruno V. Manno, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Or the way Karl Lagerfeld turned Grand Palais into supermarkets, icebergs, and rocket launchpads.
—Karissa Mitchell, Essence, 17 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for launchpads
Noun
-
In practice, however, many travelers are still likely to pass through airports without the new biometric checks, as EU rules allow temporary suspensions during the early stages of implementation.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
14 May 2026
-
What Raiff has seen is price-gouging at private airports and terminals.—
Jim Edwards,
Fortune,
14 May 2026
Noun
-
Subaru Trailseeker Trim Levels Starting at $41,445 for the Trailseeker Premium, standard equipment includes a 14-inch touchscreen, dual wireless phone charging pads, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and Subaru’s EyeSight drive-assist package.—
Kristin Shaw,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2026
-
The repairs were performed, but the price seemed a bit excessive—nearly $700 for just the rear brake replacement, including pads and rotors.—
John Paul Senior Manager Public Affairs And Traffic Safety Aaa Northeast,
Hartford Courant,
16 May 2026
Noun
-
The statement confirmed that Iranian aircraft are in Pakistan but said American aircraft are also allowed to use its airfields.—
Mariam Khan,
ABC News,
12 May 2026
-
Behind the scenes, her military reportedly drew up plans to blow up airfields in the event of an American invasion.—
Nikhil Kumar,
Time,
15 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Launchpads.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/launchpads. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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