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

This language is hardly new — Mr. Soros became a boogeyman of the American far right long before the ascendancy of Mr. Trump. —Alex Lemonides, New York Times, 9 May 2024

That said, the right’s ascendancy is not universal, uniform or assured. —Roger Cohen, New York Times, 5 May 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