as·cen·dant
ə-ˈsen-dənt 
variants
or less commonly ascendent
1
: the point of the ecliptic or degree of the zodiac that rises above the eastern horizon at any moment
2
: a state or position of dominant power or importance
3
: a lineal or collateral relative in the ascending line
variants
or less commonly ascendent
ascendantly
adverb
Examples of ascendant in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Steven Louis Goldstein, The Athletic, 23 Mar. 2025
The contest that pits Israel’s security establishment against the ascendant far right and its settler allies is not over whether Israel should use force in Gaza, stop occupying the West Bank, or make concessions to help find a solution to the decades-old conflict.
—Mairav Zonszein, Foreign Affairs, 15 Oct. 2024
Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2025
For the first time since World War II, extremist parties have become ascendant across the region, and in places like Italy, Austria, Hungary and the Netherlands, these movements mirror — and in some cases trace their roots directly to — the fascist groups that triggered the war.
—Malcolm Hillgartner Tanya Pérez Lance Neal, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ascendant
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.
Noun
The next juncture of Hidalgo’s excellent career comes against fellow young ascendants Syla Swords and Olivia Olson.
—Steven Louis Goldstein, The Athletic, 23 Mar. 2025
The contest that pits Israel’s security establishment against the ascendant far right and its settler allies is not over whether Israel should use force in Gaza, stop occupying the West Bank, or make concessions to help find a solution to the decades-old conflict.
—Mairav Zonszein, Foreign Affairs, 15 Oct. 2024
Adjective
Will the Detroit Pistons' top two point guards be available against an ascendant Minnesota Timberwolves club Sunday?
Former 2021 No. 1 overall draft pick Cade Cunningham has absolutely blossomed during his fourth pro season with Detroit, his first as an All-Star.
—Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2025
For the first time since World War II, extremist parties have become ascendant across the region, and in places like Italy, Austria, Hungary and the Netherlands, these movements mirror — and in some cases trace their roots directly to — the fascist groups that triggered the war.
—Malcolm Hillgartner Tanya Pérez Lance Neal, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ascendant
Cite this Entry
“Ascendant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ascendant. Accessed 6 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
ascendant
1 of 2 noun
as·cen·dant
ə-ˈsen-dənt
: a state or position of commanding power
ascendant
2 of 2 adjective1
: moving up : rising
2
a
: in a superior position
b
: inclined to control
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share