ascent

noun

as·​cent ə-ˈsent 

a-

1

a

: the act of rising or mounting upward : climb

completed their ascent of the mountain

b

: an upward slope or rising grade : acclivity

followed the steep ascent to the top of the hill

c

: the degree of elevation : inclination, gradient

2

: an advance in social status or reputation : progress

their ascent from the lower class to the middle class

3

: a going back in time or upward in order of genealogical succession

Synonyms of ascent

• climb
• ascension

Examples of ascent in a Sentence

They followed a steep ascent to the top of the hill.

our plane broke through some heavy low clouds during its ascent and leveled off once we were above them

Recent Examples on the Web

Though a few minor issues cropped up during the countdown, they were resolved quickly, and the rocket made a stunning ascent through cloudless skies. —Denise Chow, NBC news, 2 Apr. 2026

Any second, surely, Dad’s tan Mercedes would glide into view and start its rumbling, lumbering ascent up the gravel drive. —Kate Crane, Rolling Stone, 2 Apr. 2026

In 2008, Gaston suffered a stroke, and Kathrin began her ascent of the Glock enterprise. —Simon Akam, Vanity Fair, 2 Apr. 2026

Pilot Victor Glover Pilot Victor Glover, 49, plays an essential role during Artemis II's ascent and entry, manually piloting the spacecraft and taking charge of flight information, according to NASA. —Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

irregular from ascend

First Known Use

1581, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for ascent

• accent
• advent
• assent
• augment
• cement
• consent
• dement
• descent
• detent
• dissent
• event
• extent

Kids Definition

ascent

noun

as·​cent ə-ˈsent 

a-

1

: the act of rising or climbing up

began their ascent of the mountain

2

: an upward slope