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
  • Christian Lundgaard’s Dilemma Christian Lundgaard is the only driver on the team that has won races and ended on the podium.
    — Bruce Martin, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
  • The controversy only exploded the very next week when it was revealed the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) re-implemented a pilot program that bumped every girl who finished behind the trans athlete up by one spot on the podium.
    — Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of podium
Noun
  • The Angels then chased Eovaldi when Logan O’Hoppe walked and Wade Meckler singled, driving in a run as the top of the order came to the plate.
    — Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 10 July 2026
  • The canoe dug into the top of my spine, biting harder every step.
    — John Todd, Outdoor Life, 9 July 2026
Definition of top
Noun
  • Chambers has made a whole platform priming parents to have stress-free yet important conversations with their children.
    — Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 8 July 2026
  • Manufacturing and consumer platforms Stocks in manufacturing and consumer platforms that Goldman recommends to investors are those that combine large-scale production assets, distribution networks and durable customer demand.
    — Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 8 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 15 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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