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 That site is temporarily closed, and many of the items—pedestals and furniture, photographs and tools—are coming from Paris for this show, giving Brancusi’s cool, abstract sculptures a rich, human context. — Shauna Lyon, New Yorker, 14 Aug. 2026 When not in use, the small washer looks like a pedestal—no additional floor space required. — Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Aug. 2026 And the publisher Joseph Pulitzer raised money to foot the bill for its pedestal, built on Liberty Island, off the southern tip of Manhattan. — Air Mail, 8 Aug. 2026 The statue’s head snaps off, falls from the pedestal to the ground and rolls to the vandal’s feet. — Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 5 Aug. 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
  • On the Texas coast, a 1-foot to 2-foot surge could occur as far south as San Luis Pass, according to the hurricane center.
    — Doyle Rice, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Instead of prioritizing style alone, consider a supportive walking sneaker designed for long days on your feet.
    — Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of foot
Noun
  • Willow Lake Plantation in Brentwood The ‘Queen of Country’ claimed her throne in Brentwood, a suburb of Nashville.
    — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 29 Aug. 2026
  • In September, the parliamentary speaker pledged to pay the bride price whenever Oyo determined to get married, to which the king in his throne smiled.
    — Rodney Muhumuza, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of throne
Noun
  • Tua Tagovailoa stood behind a podium Friday night in Miami Gardens, Florida, and acknowledged his fate is no longer in his hands.
    — Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Norris has raced in 163 Grands Prix for McLaren, more than any other driver in the team's history, securing 18 pole positions, 48 podiums, and 13 wins.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of podium
Noun
  • Costco is an awkward exhibit for putting shareholder-value maximization in the driver’s seat.
    — Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2026
  • As Democrats work to defend the Michigan Senate seat, their nominee apologizes for comments about a synagogue attack.
    — NBC news, NBC news, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of seat
Noun
  • The company also says the platform is designed to accommodate future battery technology, potentially allowing newer packs to be used with the existing motorcycle.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2026
  • One and billing platform Orb, could broaden its offering further.
    — Hugh Leask, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of platform
Noun
  • Anna and Jude end up in the top, and Jude scores his third win.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Pinning down Pinhead One film has been at the top of the wish list of Horror Nights honchos for more than 10 years, Sauls said.
    — Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of top
Noun
  • The collection also features a mash-up between a laptop stand and a gaming hardware toolbox, which can be used to store all your gaming accessories, and has an on-brand green cutaway at the bottom.
    — Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Lady Eliza and her twin sister, Lady Amelia, regulars in the Wimbledon stands, might also accompany Meghan during the upcoming season.
    — Mathilde Engelmann, Vanity Fair, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of stand
Noun
  • The brand built its foundation in rock ‘n’ roll under founding designers Stuart Trevor and Kait Bolongaro in 1994.
    — Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Terps football player Zion Elee and his family delivered about 300 backpacks Monday as part of a foundation effort that has distributed roughly 750 across the Baltimore area.
    — Michael Howes, Baltimore Sun, 31 Aug. 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 2 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on pedestal

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pedestal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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