ascendant

1 of 2

noun

as·​cen·​dant ə-ˈsen-dənt How to pronounce ascendant (audio)
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

ascendant

2 of 2

adjective

variants or less commonly ascendent
1
a
: moving upward : rising
b
: directed upward
an ascendant stem
2
ascendantly adverb

Examples of ascendant in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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
His project syncs up with the radical skepticism ascendant on the American right, which is currently upending decades of institutional wisdom around public health, education and international trade. Joseph Bernstein, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025 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
Adjective
Unfortunately, the Nuggets' reward for their solid finish was a first-round playoff date with the ascendant Clippers. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025 Only 14 had been rated so far — with many ascendant labels, like Selena Gomez’s Rare Beauty, Sara and Erin Foster’s Favorite Daughter, and Lady Gaga’s Haus Labs, not yet on the platform. Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ascendant

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English ascendent, from Medieval Latin ascendent-, ascendens, from Latin, present participle of ascendere

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1591, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of ascendant was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ascendant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ascendant. Accessed 28 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

ascendant

1 of 2 noun
as·​cen·​dant ə-ˈsen-dənt How to pronounce ascendant (audio)
: a state or position of commanding power

ascendant

2 of 2 adjective
1
: moving up : rising
2
a
: in a superior position
b
: inclined to control

Legal Definition

ascendant

noun
as·​cen·​dant
ə-ˈsen-dənt

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