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
Joseph Bernstein, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
The next juncture of Hidalgo’s excellent career comes against fellow young ascendants Syla Swords and Olivia Olson.
—Steven Louis Goldstein, The Athletic, 23 Mar. 2025
Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 2 May 2025
Gilgeous-Alexander and the 53-11 Thunder were helped by a big night from the ascendant Jalen Williams, who finished the night with 26 points, nine rebounds, eight assists, two steals and a block.
—Matias Grez, CNN, 10 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ascendant
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Noun
His project syncs up with the radical skepticism ascendant on the American right, which is currently upending decades of institutional wisdom around public health, education and international trade.
—Joseph Bernstein, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
The next juncture of Hidalgo’s excellent career comes against fellow young ascendants Syla Swords and Olivia Olson.
—Steven Louis Goldstein, The Athletic, 23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
Indeed, an ascendant wing of the Republican Party has actively pushed for a more muscular government—in the areas of family and industrial policy, for example—after reaching the conclusion that Reagan-style market orthodoxy has hollowed out communities, among other bad outcomes.
—Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 2 May 2025
Gilgeous-Alexander and the 53-11 Thunder were helped by a big night from the ascendant Jalen Williams, who finished the night with 26 points, nine rebounds, eight assists, two steals and a block.
—Matias Grez, CNN, 10 Mar. 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 27 May. 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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