ascendant

noun as·cen·dant \ ə-ˈsen-dənt \

variants: or less commonly ascendent

Updated on: 20 Apr 2018

Definition of ascendant

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

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Recent Examples of ascendant from the Web

With e-commerce ascendant, nearly everyone else in the retailing, from venerable department stores to once-trendy clothiers like J. Crew, has been struggling to grow or even survive.

— chad bray and michael j. de la merced, New York Times, "QVC to Merge With Home Shopping Network in $2.1 Billion Deal," 6 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ascendant.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of ascendant

Middle English ascendent, from Medieval Latin ascendent-, ascendens, from Latin, present participle of ascendere

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

ascendant

adjective

variants: or less commonly ascendent

Definition of ascendant

1 a : moving upward : rising

b : directed upward

an ascendant stem

2 a : superior

b : dominant 1a

—

ascendantly

adverb

See ascendant defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of ascendant from the Web

In Harrisburg, antiunion sentiment is ascendant with the rise of State Sen. Scott Wagner, the GOP’s endorsed candidate for governor.

— andrew seidman, Philly.com, "Philly labor leader John 'Johnny Doc' Dougherty, under federal scrutiny, raises more campaign money than ever," 15 Apr. 2018
Ryan's brand of politics, an uplifting fiscal conservatism rooted in his admiration of his former boss, Jack Kemp, seemed ascendant as recently as 2012, when Mitt Romney chose to add him to the presidential ticket.

— michael scherer, chicagotribune.com, "Ryan's GOP swept away by a Trumpian revolution," 11 Apr. 2018
The center of gravity for world aviation is continuing its eastward shift, with China and India ascendant and destinations like New York City—and JFK airport in particular—not as busy.

— Bloomberg.com, "+1 212 318 2000," 9 Apr. 2018
That would leave America’s allies, who control about 20% of the country, to fend for themselves against a belligerent Turkey, an ascendant Assad regime and the remnants of IS.

— The Economist, "America vows to respond to a suspected chemical attack in Syria," 9 Apr. 2018
Early in Trump's presidency, Kushner correctly viewed MBS was ascendant, a view validated when the prince's 82-year-old father, King Salman, handed over some power to the prince.

— dan merica, CNN, "House Democrats call for FBI to probe into Kushner's ties to Saudi crown prince," 29 Mar. 2018
Klansmen marched openly in parades and hosted a variety of events meant to show their power and popularity as an ascendant movement.

— charles reichmann, San Francisco Chronicle, "‘The Second Coming of the KKK,’ by Linda Gordon," 30 Mar. 2018
San Francisco 49ers: An ascendant flagship franchise that plays in a major market.

— nate davis, USA TODAY, "Odell Beckham trade scenarios: Six teams that are best fits for Giants WR," 29 Mar. 2018
And as the political sphere grows ever more toxic with ascendant nativism and other displays of prejudice, Saga stands out as a profane, glorious ode to compassion and equality.

— shaan amin, The Atlantic, "The Sprawling, Empathetic Adventure of Saga," 28 Mar. 2018