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
This month starts a period of meeting and events that serve as a launchpad for the year’s final event, COP30 this November in Belém, Brazil.
—
Monica Sanders, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
Quietly defiant and proudly independent, the German festival has built a reputation over three decades as a launchpad for boundary-pushing cinema.
—Kevin Cassidy, HollywoodReporter, 12 May 2025
For years, South Dakota has been the launchpad for anti-LGBTQ+ legislation.
—Kate Sosin, Them., 8 May 2025
Now boasting over 200 events and participants from nearly 100 countries, MIFA is a launchpad for emerging voices and a place where new projects, like those from Bangladesh, Vietnam and Costa Rica, can find global partners.
—Jamie Lang, Variety, 23 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for launchpad
Monica Sanders, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
Quietly defiant and proudly independent, the German festival has built a reputation over three decades as a launchpad for boundary-pushing cinema.
—Kevin Cassidy, HollywoodReporter, 12 May 2025
For years, South Dakota has been the launchpad for anti-LGBTQ+ legislation.
—Kate Sosin, Them., 8 May 2025
Now boasting over 200 events and participants from nearly 100 countries, MIFA is a launchpad for emerging voices and a place where new projects, like those from Bangladesh, Vietnam and Costa Rica, can find global partners.
—Jamie Lang, Variety, 23 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for launchpad
Recent Examples of Synonyms for launchpad
Noun
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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,
30 May 2025
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The booster used Tuesday previously launched on Starship's seventh test flight in January before it was caught back at the launch pad and refurbished for another space shot.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
28 May 2025
Noun
-
The building is close to Interstate 77, the airport, and uptown Charlotte.—
Chase Jordan,
Charlotte Observer,
29 May 2025
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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
Noun
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Today, there are about 15 T-buildings, based on aerial maps of the former airfield, according to Sue Gillis, curator of the Boca Raton Historical Society.—
Michael Cook,
Sun Sentinel,
30 May 2025
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What To Know Citing satellite imagery provided by Maxar Technologies, Reuters reported on Wednesday that two Chinese H-6 bombers were spotted at an airfield on Woody Island on May 19.—
Ryan Chan,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 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 7 Jun. 2025.
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