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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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 From a cement pedestal, the eight-foot limb of a schefflera bonsai reaches across the table. — Genevieve Walker, Architectural Digest, 18 Sep. 2026 Tree stumps can also be carved into garden art or used as a pedestal for a large container or statue. — Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Sep. 2026 Every stream, every show, every like, every reshare helps put Skippa on a pedestal to be acknowledged at something like this. — Kyle Denis, Billboard, 11 Sep. 2026 Outfitters, waterfowl brands, YouTube heroes, and yes, iconic publications like Outdoor Life, have helped to put greenheads on a pedestal. — Alex Robinson, Outdoor Life, 9 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pedestal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pedestal
  1. foot
  2. throne
  3. podium
  4. seat
  5. platform
  6. top
  7. stand
  8. foundation
Noun
  • Amangani is located roughly 7,000 feet above sea level—and the property was designed to make the most of this high-elevation perch.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Two suspects, both 16 years old, were later taken into custody, one of whom was detained after a foot pursuit and the assistance of a K-9.
    — Camryn Dadey, Sacbee.com, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of foot
Noun
  • At the same time, Franz’s brother, Maximillian (Johannes Mussbaum) sets off on an adventure with his wife (Josephine Thiesen) to ascend to the imperial throne in Mexico.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026
  • As the duo fights for the Norse throne, the land is ripped apart by rivals and betrayals.
    — Mya Copeland, Variety, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of throne
Noun
  • Before the speaker’s podium stood a vase filled with white roses; to the right, a large photograph of the deceased.
    — Peter E. Gordon, The New York Review of Books, 3 Oct. 2026
  • While Adebayo might be overshadowed by Antetokounmpo at the podium, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra expects Antetokounmpo to help bring more attention to Adebayo’s sometimes overlooked and underappreciated two-way skill set this season.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of podium
Noun
  • The dining room has 28 seats, a private event space holds 10, and the menu proposes just three Milanese and Lombardian dishes for each of the antipasti, primi, and secondi courses (four for dessert).
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Oct. 2026
  • After most of the sellout crowd filed out Wednesday, one solitary Sox fan stood at his seat under the press box, shouting obscenities about the Guardians and the city of Cleveland.
    — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of seat
Noun
  • The company also has a YouTube channel with more than 800,000 subscribers, a following that has grown significantly in recent months (the account has added half a million subscribers on the platform since January 2025).
    — Max Tani, semafor.com, 5 Oct. 2026
  • It’s been further modified by many factors, from today’s online publishing platforms to new means for assessing and quantifying scientific impact, and the increasingly interdisciplinary and team-based nature of research.
    — Jeffrey S. Flier, STAT, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of platform
Noun
  • Instead of using a conventional crane capable of reaching the top of the tower, the company used a telescoping tower design.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Waiting at the top is a life-changing jackpot, to share with whoever makes it there.
    — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of top
Noun
  • The 2027 event will feature more than five stages, as well local art installations, fashion stands, interactive areas and a food hall.
    — Jessica Roiz, Billboard, 9 Oct. 2026
  • The award covers its participation in the Start-Up Valley at ITMA 2027 in Hanover, Germany, including an exhibition stand and supporting services.
    — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of stand
Noun
  • During construction, architect Pedro Rabassa found an 11th-century Moorish oven in the foundations.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Instead, younger donors are more likely to give through charitable trusts, family foundations, fundraising, and mentorship.
    — Sydney Lake, Fortune, 6 Oct. 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 11 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on pedestal

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pedestal

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