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, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
The sun sign is said to represent our basic personality, the moon explains our inner, emotional nature and our ascendant, or rising sign, captures our outer appearance and first impression to the world.
—Nadja Sayej, Forbes.com, 5 Sep. 2025
Tim Grierson, Rolling Stone, 11 Oct. 2025
It’s also accompanied by his debut monograph, a fuller record of an ascendant practice intent on restoring fullness and tenderness to Black life.
—Okla Jones, Essence, 10 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ascendant
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Noun
The Dallas Mavericks and Detroit Pistons head to Mexico City on Nov. 1, starring next-gen ascendants Cooper Flagg and Cade Cunningham.
—Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
The sun sign is said to represent our basic personality, the moon explains our inner, emotional nature and our ascendant, or rising sign, captures our outer appearance and first impression to the world.
—Nadja Sayej, Forbes.com, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
In 1977, Rolling Stone profiled Keaton as her star was ascendant.
—Tim Grierson, Rolling Stone, 11 Oct. 2025
It’s also accompanied by his debut monograph, a fuller record of an ascendant practice intent on restoring fullness and tenderness to Black life.
—Okla Jones, Essence, 10 Oct. 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 17 Oct. 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
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