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
Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
Only 14 had been rated so far — with many ascendant labels, like Selena Gomez’s Rare Beauty, Sara and Erin Foster’s Favorite Daughter, and Lady Gaga’s Haus Labs, not yet on the platform.
—Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 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
Unfortunately, the Nuggets' reward for their solid finish was a first-round playoff date with the ascendant Clippers.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
Only 14 had been rated so far — with many ascendant labels, like Selena Gomez’s Rare Beauty, Sara and Erin Foster’s Favorite Daughter, and Lady Gaga’s Haus Labs, not yet on the platform.
—Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 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 6 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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