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 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 Perhaps no contingent appears better suited to topple soccer’s ruling class from its pedestal than the seven remaining nations of the Confederation of African Football. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 30 June 2026 In Portland, Oregon, a statue of Lincoln is set to be reinstalled after it was pulled off its pedestal in 2020 amid national social justice protests that followed the killing of George Floyd. — Chris Kenning, USA Today, 2 July 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 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
  • As its name suggests, the product is formulated with skin care superstar retinol to smooth fine lines and crow’s feet and brighten dark circles.
    — Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 7 July 2026
  • The climber was found dead by search and rescue teams on the upper face of Longs Peak, an iconic 14,259-foot summit in the national park in Colorado.
    — Michael Loria, USA Today, 7 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 matter was not on the city’s agenda but was brought on as a walk-on item at the top of the meeting.
    — Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026
  • On the subsequent rebound, the ball found Kovačić at the top of the box, but his right-footed volley was barely deflected over the net by Diogo Costa.
    — Ashley Mowreader, NBC news, 3 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
  • The foundation helped raise more than $200,000 to pay off school lunch debt for students, gave out turkeys to families during the holidays and provided resources to those impacted by gun violence.
    — Tyler Quattrin, Twin Cities, 7 July 2026
  • The actor says the group of actors, led by Elle Woods herself, Lexi Minetree, developed a solid foundation with each other and in themselves filming the next season before the first had aired.
    — Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 6 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 8 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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