Synonyms for

Pedal

Verb / ˈpedʌl / Another word for pedal — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

a flat piece of metal, rubber, or plastic that you push with your foot to operate a machine or vehicle

Synonyms & similar words

footlever pedalpoint wheel cycle bike footpedal treadle bicycle treadle accelerator throttle footboard footrest footplate footstep kickboard kickstand step stomp trample tread walk

Synonyms by register

Formal

actuate operate manipulate

Informal

push pump step on

Literary

tread stride

Antonyms

stop halt cease abstain refrain desist

Common collocations

  • pedal to the metal
  • press the pedal
  • release the pedal
  • accelerator pedal
  • brake pedal
  • clutch pedal
  • push the pedal down
  • ease off the pedal

Word family

noun pedal
verb pedal
adjective pedal

Usage note

As a verb, 'pedal' often refers to the action of operating a bicycle. It can also refer to operating a foot-controlled lever on a machine.

Example sentences

  1. I pressed down on the pedal to make the car go faster.
  2. The piano has pedals that change the sound.
  3. She uses a pedal to exercise on her stationary bike.
  4. The bicycle pedal was broken and needed to be fixed.
  5. He pushed the pedal to brake the car.

Quotes

  • Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving. - Albert Einstein
  • If you brake, you don't win. - Mario Andretti
  • I pedal past the coast, past the girls, through the outskirts of the city, where the homes get larger and farther apart. - Bret Easton Ellis

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