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 of ascendancy

• dominance
• domination
• dominion
• supremacy
• sovereignty
• reign

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

Mamdani’s deft touch in navigating this reality has been invaluable to his ascendancy, as have his in-house filmmakers and strategists, who are themselves now objects of media attention. —Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 19 Feb. 2026

Vinegar valentines emerged as a sour offshoot of the cultural ascendancy of Valentine’s Day itself. —Melissa Chan, Fortune, 14 Feb. 2026

Obama’s ascendancy that night also represented a 21st-century high point for the Democratic Party. —Mark Leibovich, The Atlantic, 11 Feb. 2026

Lauren’s ascendancy is the biggest shift in a top 10 that features some other notable changes. —Luke Leitch, Vogue, 28 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1641, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for ascendancy

• ascendency
• dependency
• independency
• interdependency
• superintendency
• pendency
• tendency

Kids Definition

ascendancy

noun

as·​cen·​dan·​cy ə-ˈsen-dən-sē 

: controlling influence