ascendancy

noun

as·​cen·​dan·​cy ə-ˈsen-dən(t)-sē 

variants or less commonly ascendency

: governing or controlling influence : domination

Did you know?

In the course of a year, the sun appears to pass through the twelve constellations of the zodiac in sequence, and all the planets also lie close to the solar path. The constellation and planet that are just rising, or ascendant, above the eastern horizon in the sun's path at the moment of a child's birth are said by astrologers to exercise a lifelong controlling influence over the child. This is the idea that lies at the heart of ascendancy, though the word today no longer hints at supernatural powers.

Synonyms

• ascendance
• ascendence
• dominance
• domination
• dominion
• hegemony
• imperium
• predominance
• predominancy
• preeminence
• reign
• sovereignty
• sovranty
• supremacy

Examples of ascendancy in a Sentence

the ascendancy of the government

a book chronicling the ascendancy of fascism in Europe after World War I

Recent Examples on the Web

Armed with praise from the Gay Godfather of Punk, with a small budget and large ambition for their ascendancy, the first All-Male, Alt-Gay, Downtown Fiction Roadshow began. —Ira Silverberg, Vulture, 29 Oct. 2024

Sinner asserted his increasing ascendancy over the Serb, winning 7-6, 6-3 after coming out on top in a fierce battle in the opening set. —Tim Ellis, Forbes, 14 Oct. 2024

Year by year, as devices became smarter and the user experience improved, consumer behavior changed, and mobile gained ascendancy. —Beth Ann Kaminkow, Forbes, 17 Oct. 2024

Russia, for example, maintains close ties with China’s rival India – and is likely eager to prevent any Chinese ascendancy in Asia that deepens the power imbalance between Beijing and Moscow. —Simone McCarthy, CNN, 17 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1641, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

ascendancy

noun

as·​cen·​dan·​cy ə-ˈsen-dən-sē 

: controlling influence