ascendant

1 of 2

noun

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

ascendant

2 of 2

adjective

variants or less commonly ascendent

1

a

: moving upward : rising

b

: directed upward

an ascendant stem

2

a

: superior

b

: dominant sense 1a

ascendantly adverb

Examples of ascendant in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

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

The movie might strategically skimp on details about the newly ascendant policies that result, but the size of the tome suggests that Liz has put a few of the particulars in writing. —Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 27 Oct. 2025

In 1977, Rolling Stone profiled Keaton as her star was ascendant. —Tim Grierson, Rolling Stone, 11 Oct. 2025

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

Phrases Containing ascendant

• in the ascendant

Rhymes for ascendant

• appendant
• attendant
• defendant
• dependant
• dependent
• descendant
• descendent
• intendant
• resplendent
• transcendent
• codefendant
• independent

Kids Definition

ascendant

1 of 2 noun

as·​cen·​dant ə-ˈsen-dənt 

: 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

: ancestor