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
  • 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
  • In 2022, there was much focus on the symbolism of a meeting between Messi and Mbappe, seemingly the heir to the Argentinian’s throne.
    — Oliver Kay, New York Times, 19 July 2026
  • On Friday, Messi addressed the picture and lauded the 19-year-old, whom many tout at the successor to the Argentine’s throne.
    — Ben Church, CNN Money, 18 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
  • The audience giggled nervously as their seats rocked and rolled during the tense chase scene, and whenever the dinosaur went in for an attack, a squirt of water shot out from behind each audience member’s seat.
    — Matt Minton, Variety, 19 July 2026
  • Each business-class, lie-flat seat can bring in close to $10,000 on some long-haul international routes compared with $2,000 or even much less for a seat in the back.
    — Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 19 July 2026
Definition of seat
Noun
  • The lemonade stand with an international fan base In Texas, one family was left with a lifetime of memories after its backyard lemonade stand drew visitors from all over the world.
    — Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 19 July 2026
  • In the semifinals, Santa Margarita edged reigning tournament champion Mission Viejo 16-15 with a late defensive stand.
    — Dan Albano, Oc Register, 19 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 21 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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