as in cargo
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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Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of payload There had been doubt over the 2026 launch following the second failure of the H3 in seven tries in December 2025, but the issue was soon isolated as a payload fairing separation anomaly, clearing the way for MMX to proceed. —
Andrew Jones, Space.com, 23 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 SpaceX is developing Starship to be a fully reusable transportation system that can carry huge satellites and other payloads to space, meaning the rocket and vehicle can return to the ground for additional missions. —Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2026 One target site is a potential future landing area for an uncrewed payload mission. —Brendan Byrne, NPR, 6 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for payload
Andrew Jones, Space.com, 23 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 SpaceX is developing Starship to be a fully reusable transportation system that can carry huge satellites and other payloads to space, meaning the rocket and vehicle can return to the ground for additional missions. —Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2026 One target site is a potential future landing area for an uncrewed payload mission. —Brendan Byrne, NPR, 6 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for payload
Recent Examples of Synonyms for payload
Noun
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Brent oil futures prices have averaged around $100 in April, while the spot price for the delivery of actual cargo has hovered closer to $121 per barrel.— Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 24 Apr. 2026
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Mynor López was a part of a road maintenance crew filling potholes when the bridge collapsed after being hit by a cargo vessel.— Ximena Bustillo, NPR, 24 Apr. 2026
Noun
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But recruitment staff feel an addition is required to cope with the load of Champions League football.— Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2026
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Pollen clings to hair, skin and clothing — skipping the post-school clothing change can actually triple indoor pollen load, per A-Z Pediatrics’ allergy toolkit.— Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 22 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The port of Fujairah (the end-point of the UAE pipeline) also came under attack from Iranian drones, disrupting oil loading operations at its crude export terminal.— Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 23 Apr. 2026
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Use a front-loading washing machine or a top-loading washing machine without an agitator.— Katie Cloyd, Martha Stewart, 22 Apr. 2026
Noun
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An alternative would be a one-time tax increase, placing a significant financial burden on Chicagoans in a single year — clearly an unacceptable approach.— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
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What changed was not her income, but her energy burden.— Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 26 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Payload.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/thesaurus/payload. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.
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