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
The massive spacecraft exploded in the air, and the test wrecked the launchpad.
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Justine Calma, The Verge, 13 Aug. 2024
Just after noon on Monday, a SpaceX rocket stood on the same launchpad that once sent men to the moon.
—David W. Brown, The New Yorker, 15 Oct. 2024
Once Milton barreled its way out of the state, NASA and SpaceX teams returned to inspect the launch site at the spaceport in Cape Canaveral before later giving a green light for the craft to return to the launchpad ahead of Monday's launch.
—Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 14 Oct. 2024
That launch aimed solely to get the 397-foot (121-meter) vehicle off the launchpad.
—Jackie Wattles, CNN, 13 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for launchpad 
Justine Calma, The Verge, 13 Aug. 2024
Just after noon on Monday, a SpaceX rocket stood on the same launchpad that once sent men to the moon.
—David W. Brown, The New Yorker, 15 Oct. 2024
Once Milton barreled its way out of the state, NASA and SpaceX teams returned to inspect the launch site at the spaceport in Cape Canaveral before later giving a green light for the craft to return to the launchpad ahead of Monday's launch.
—Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 14 Oct. 2024
That launch aimed solely to get the 397-foot (121-meter) vehicle off the launchpad.
—Jackie Wattles, CNN, 13 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for launchpad
Recent Examples of Synonyms for launchpad
Noun
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With its production cut short and unable to find a landing pad elsewhere, Swamp Thing’s capable adaptation of its difficult and dense source material was left to die on the vine.Joshua Rivera, Vulture, 13 Nov. 2024
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Poolside Cabanas For an stress-free, private and full-service pool setup, five poolside cabanas are available alongside the 5,000 square foot Resort pool and splash pad.Margaux Lushing, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
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The Daylite Expandable Travel Pack is part of a collection that’s perfect for those who start their adventure at the airport.Outside Online, Outside Online, 11 Nov. 2024
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Israeli media reported a rocket had landed near the airport.Reuters, NBC News, 7 Nov. 2024
Noun
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Travelers in North America were largely satisfied with their airport experiences in the last year, though some airfields rated more favorably than others.Zach Wichter, USA TODAY, 18 Sep. 2024
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McQueen spends half an hour dispassionately showing us the grimness of HMP Maze, a Troubles-era warehouse for enemies of the British state on a disused airfield.IndieWire Staff, IndieWire, 12 Aug. 2024
Noun
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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
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And a huge concrete area that looked like an aerodrome was awaiting rebuilding as a new suburb.Charlie Hobbs, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 May 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near launchpad
Cite this Entry
“Launchpad.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/launchpad. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.
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