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 Connecting the exhibition to broader social concerns, Gong also believed that the Le19M method can inspire the preservation of local craft, often put on a pedestal devoid of meaning. — Denni Hu, Footwear News, 25 Sep. 2026 Showing here also presents McGirr with a much more authentic pedestal from which to project his new synthesis of all that acquired McQueen aesthetic lore with his own design identity—because both were forged in London. — Luke Leitch, Vogue, 19 Sep. 2026 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 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
  • Goliath reaches speeds of up to 70 miles per hour and is 200 feet tall, according to the park's website.
    — DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE STAFF FROM WIRE REPORTS, Arkansas Online, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The sprawling network, which could date as far back as the 8th century BCE, descends roughly 280 feet, housing everything from stables and kitchens to rock-cut churches and escape tunnels.
    — Maya Chawla, Architectural Digest, 12 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
  • The California Interscholastic Federation, which oversees high school athletics, also revised its rules to ensure that transgender athletes in individual sports do not displace cisgender ones from rankings or medal podiums.
    — Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2026
  • The latest achievement for Adidas comes after the brand swept the men’s and women’s podiums in Berlin last month — the first time since 2017 that one brand was worn by all six top competitors.
    — Katie Abel, Footwear News, 11 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
  • NBCUniversal’s Sky is in the midst of acquiring the ITV broadcast and digital platform while ITV Studios will remain a standalone entity, although acquisition rumors won’t quit.
    — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026
  • One Israeli journalist compared Segal’s role in Israel to that of Fox News host Bret Baier, who maintains journalistic independence despite working for a right-wing platform.
    — Ben Smith, semafor.com, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of platform
Noun
  • The Argentine first fired a shot at the top of the box that was deflected.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 11 Oct. 2026
  • The Broncos were lined up right on top of the Fresno State Bulldog logo painted in the middle of the field and held a slender 28-20 lead late in the third quarter.
    — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 11 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
  • It is understood Kering plans to build on the foundation left by Vaccarello, also spying additional opportunities in jewelry.
    — Miles Socha, Footwear News, 12 Oct. 2026
  • The market is one cornerstone of a larger scene that has built an outsized reputation for dining on the foundation of the Stitts' vision and mentorship.
    — Leslie Pariseau, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 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 15 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on pedestal

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pedestal

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