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
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

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 17 Oct. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on ascendant

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