Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In December, Forbes estimated that Trump Jr.’s net worth had rocketed from roughly $50 million to $300 million since the election.
From Salon ● Jun. 11, 2026
The two had rocketed as much as 30 percent Monday to a peak of nearly $120.
From Barron's ● Mar. 12, 2026
The duo known as Milli Vanilli had rocketed to fame, going from obscure dancers in Munich to dominate the pop music scene.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 30, 2026
Even before the stock’s rally on Monday, it had already soared 47.5% amid a five-day win streak through Friday and had rocketed 108.2% in January.
From MarketWatch ● Jan. 26, 2026
Quickly Astro hailed the members of the emergency crews that had rocketed up from Deimos and told them of the possibility that Tom was inside the chamber.
From Treachery in Outer Space by Louis Glanzman
