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 Because in order to steal them, that's the easiest way to-- to get them off the pedestal. — Anderson Cooper, CBS News, 28 June 2026 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 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
  • Rotating between a starter and an impact substitute, Barcola seemed to be in a hurry to stamp his attacking authority on games and set France on the front foot.
    — Mark Carey, New York Times, 21 July 2026
  • The nearby curvilinear 902-foot Okan Tower, which will be completed first, will also be able to claim a superlative as the tallest to open for use, until the Cipriani and Waldorf projects wrap up construction.
    — Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 21 July 2026
Definition of foot
Noun
  • Teams feverishly shifted their rosters for a chance at the next title run, a shot at the Knicks’ throne.
    — Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 25 July 2026
  • Bassist Geezer Butler shared a photo of the singer on his bat throne on Instagram.
    — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 23 July 2026
Definition of throne
Noun
  • Eight out of 10 podiums this season have featured at least one Ferrari driver, and the Italian team secured two wins in three races (Barcelona and Silverstone).
    — Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • When Spain assembled on the podium to accept the World Cup trophy, which had been Argentina’s moments earlier, the South Americans turned their backs.
    — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2026
Definition of podium
Noun
  • That could be a bad sign for Everton Blair, the former Gwinnett County School Board chairman who needs a strong turnout from his home county in order to rise to the top of the five-person contest.
    — Tia Mitchell, AJC.com, 24 July 2026
  • But most of those players were unable to establish themselves at the top of the game with Madrid or flourish within the national team’s style.
    — Pol Ballús, New York Times, 24 July 2026
Definition of top
Noun
  • That network exists because of the platform her employer once had to be talked into.
    — Jasmine Browley, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • More than 50 of the players competing in this summer’s World Cup have featured on its platform, including France and PSG duo Bradley Barcola and Warren Zaire-Emery.
    — Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 22 July 2026
Definition of platform
Noun
  • No Republicans filed to run for the seat, which is currently held by Venessa Huskey.
    — Nathan Pilling July 27, Kansas City Star, 27 July 2026
  • Thekla, Becomes First Women’s Grand Slam Champion Mercedes Mone looked on from the stands with no lighting and surrounded by empty seats.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
Definition of seat
Noun
  • Hodge added only one run to his overnight score of 83, but overall added 91 runs with Hope for the fourth-wicket stand which revived West Indies hopes of putting up a challenging first innings total.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 26 July 2026
  • Since potatoes and corn are naturally gluten-free, this stand has a lot of options.
    — Teagan Davidge, Oc Register, 25 July 2026
Definition of stand
Noun
  • Tomatoes, roux and the Holy Trinity of diced onions, celery and green bell peppers are the foundation for many a Creole dish.
    — Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 20 July 2026
  • Coupled with Oregon’s on-field success (one CFP quarterfinal berth, followed by a semifinal spot in its two years), it’s all added up to a solid foundation that shows no signs of weakening.
    — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
Definition of foundation

Phrases Containing pedestal

Browse Nearby Words

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 27 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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