pedestal

noun

Definition of pedestalnext
1
as in foot
a bottom part upon which something rests or is supported The museum displayed the jewels on a pedestal inside a glass case. The entrance to the ruined temple was flanked by columns, some of which had fallen from their pedestals.

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2
as in throne
the position of someone who is treated or regarded as extraordinarily good, successful, etc. There's a tendency to put the person you love on a pedestal. The scandal knocked the beloved actor off his pedestal.

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Dissimilar Words

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 pedestal Such models include the original Ford Bronco, Chevy Blazer, and International Scout (all of which Velocity also transforms), and this reenvisioned Chevy C10, which places a beloved but truly pedestrian transport on a pedestal. — Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 26 June 2026 Chef Rob McDaniel is an expert at taking nostalgic Southern dishes and elevating them onto impressive new pedestals. — Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 19 June 2026 That alone placed her on a pedestal. — Danny Brewer, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026 Mozzarella has long been held on a pedestal, in particular the mozzarella di bufala of Campania, which has garnered considerable attention and praise. — Literary Hub, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for pedestal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pedestal
  1. foot
  2. throne
  3. podium
  4. top
  5. platform
  6. seat
  7. stand
  8. foundation
Noun
  • Meanwhile, Kuchar had already hit from the fairway, a great shot to 20 feet for a chance at birdie.
    — Brody Miller, New York Times, 14 July 2026
  • Off Nine Mile Road, his 7,500-square-foot building houses people from the age of 18 to people over 60.
    — Julia Avant, CBS News, 14 July 2026
Definition of foot
Noun
  • Harry, who is fifth in line to the British throne, had submitted a formal bid for police security during the trip but his team were reportedly told that protection would not be offered.
    — Max Foster, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
  • The Prince of Wales sadly won’t be attending Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce‘s wedding Friday in New York City, but the heir to the British throne nonetheless made sure to offer some royal prestige to events.
    — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 3 July 2026
Definition of throne
Noun
  • That approach has been shaped by decades inside Olympic volleyball, where the difference between standing atop the podium and watching another nation celebrate is frequently measured by only a handful of points.
    — Tim Genske, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
  • Below the speaker’s podium sat a row of bored-looking representatives from city, county and regional agencies.
    — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
Definition of podium
Noun
  • White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt also said the president may discuss the war in Iran and the state of the economy at the top of the speech.
    — Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 17 July 2026
  • The matching top and pants can also be worn separately throughout a trip.
    — Jacqueline Dole, Travel + Leisure, 16 July 2026
Definition of top
Noun
  • Content Partners, which began 20 years ago as a creative rights acquisition platform, is well-positioned to help creators gauge their true value in emerging and traditional media platforms.
    — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 14 July 2026
  • Maine state Senate President Mattie Daughtry, a Democrat, is encouraged to see many of the candidates running on Platner's progressive platform of transformational change.
    — Tamara Keith, NPR, 14 July 2026
Definition of platform
Noun
  • Then there’s heated handlebars and seats, floorboards, highway pegs, brake and gear-lever pads, heel-shifter, and the King Tour-Pak, like the Street Glide Limited above.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 July 2026
  • As of July 2, some of the best resale seats for marquee knockout matches were listed for roughly $20,000 on StubHub.
    — Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 6 July 2026
Definition of seat
Noun
  • White Castle is considered the nation’s first fast-food hamburger stand.
    — Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 July 2026
  • The 52-foot stand features shatterproof bulbs that cast a warm, Edison-style glow, instantly cozying up patios, balconies, pergolas, and outdoor dining setups.
    — Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 July 2026
Definition of stand
Noun
  • That stable foundation has been built on a strong structure out of possession, but more so in possession.
    — The Athletic Soccer Experts, New York Times, 14 July 2026
  • Rather than opening in central London, the foundation chose to follow the artists, settling in a neighborhood that has become home to an increasingly vibrant creative community.
    — PhotoVogue, Vogue, 13 July 2026
Definition of foundation

Phrases Containing pedestal

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peddling
pedestal
pedestals
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Cite this Entry

“Pedestal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pedestal. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on pedestal

Nglish: Translation of pedestal for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pedestal

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