as in loads
a mass or quantity of something taken up and carried, conveyed, or transported
the space shuttle can carry a maximum payload of approximately 50,000 pounds
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Recent Examples of payloads
The problems have delayed the launch of several payloads for the US Space Force.
—
Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 24 Apr. 2026
Both variants of the vessel are designed for long endurance missions of up to 8,000 nautical miles (about 9,200 miles or 14,800 km) and can carry payloads of up to 55,000 pounds (25 metric tons).
—Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 22 Apr. 2026
On board is a micro rover built by ispace called Tenacious as well as several commercial payloads.
—Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Apr. 2026
Meanwhile the Pentagon has been ordered to brief the White House in 90 days on possible uses and payloads for nuclear systems that can function in space.
—Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 15 Apr. 2026
Both rockets released their payloads—think ion guages, magnetometers, and vapor chasers; the latter released colorful puffs of gas—during an auroral substorm.
—Michael D'estries, Travel + Leisure, 7 Apr. 2025
The Falcon 9's upper stage, meanwhile, continued its ascent into LEO with its 27 payloads.
—Josh Dinner, Space.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Under Musk’s leadership, SpaceX reduced the cost of launching payloads to orbit by a factor of ten.
—Dev Patnaik, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Featuring special vibration-damping propellers that fold in when not in use, the aircraft can lift payloads of up to 15 kg (33 lb).
—Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 6 Apr. 2025
Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 24 Apr. 2026
Both variants of the vessel are designed for long endurance missions of up to 8,000 nautical miles (about 9,200 miles or 14,800 km) and can carry payloads of up to 55,000 pounds (25 metric tons).
—Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 22 Apr. 2026
On board is a micro rover built by ispace called Tenacious as well as several commercial payloads.
—Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Apr. 2026
Meanwhile the Pentagon has been ordered to brief the White House in 90 days on possible uses and payloads for nuclear systems that can function in space.
—Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 15 Apr. 2026
Both rockets released their payloads—think ion guages, magnetometers, and vapor chasers; the latter released colorful puffs of gas—during an auroral substorm.
—Michael D'estries, Travel + Leisure, 7 Apr. 2025
The Falcon 9's upper stage, meanwhile, continued its ascent into LEO with its 27 payloads.
—Josh Dinner, Space.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Under Musk’s leadership, SpaceX reduced the cost of launching payloads to orbit by a factor of ten.
—Dev Patnaik, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Featuring special vibration-damping propellers that fold in when not in use, the aircraft can lift payloads of up to 15 kg (33 lb).
—Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 6 Apr. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for payloads
Noun
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Engineers can simulate movements, loads, and environmental conditions before real deployment.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
29 Apr. 2026
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However, there are moments of reprieve between loads of clothes, sheets, and towels.—
Mary Cornetta,
Better Homes & Gardens,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The refinery, one of China’s largest independent facilities, has received Iranian oil cargoes from sanctioned shadow fleet vessels since at least 2023.—
Brittany Miller,
FOXNews.com,
24 Apr. 2026
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The reduced movement underscores just how quickly hopes unraveled that cargoes could once again resume.—
Prejula Prem,
Bloomberg,
20 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The attack happened just as Ust-Luga resumed crude loadings over weekend after days of disruptions amid attacks in the region.—
Bloomberg News,
Bloomberg,
7 Apr. 2026
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Across multiple designs and operating conditions, CNTF heaters consistently achieved higher specific power loadings than comparable metal-alloy elements.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
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But those efforts might be better spent on easing caregivers’ administrative burdens than replacing their face time with patients.—
Catherine Thorbecke,
Mercury News,
30 Apr. 2026
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Blanche said the changes bring gun regulations in line with Supreme Court precedent while cutting down on unnecessary burdens on firearms sellers and lawful gun owners.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
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There’s a workout area that’s partially open to the elements with weights, a trampoline, rowing machine and stretch bands, but a treadmill and other cardio equipment would be a good addition for runners.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
29 Apr. 2026
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In peak-pandemic times, even something as simple as working out was a challenge, so his coaches at Forest Hills Northern High School personally delivered weights to players’ homes.—
Bomani Jones,
Vanity Fair,
29 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Payloads.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/payloads. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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