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

With the antitrust lawsuit settled, sports eating finance, and red-state culture ascendant, the lane is wide open. —Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 30 Dec. 2025

Some might say that Mars’s connection to the ascendant in an astrocartography chart can bring conflict. —Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 28 Nov. 2025

Adjective

New York State’s bounty this fiscal year will set up a debate about priorities and discipline — more specifically, the priorities of the newly ascendant progressive wing of the Democratic Party led by Mamdani and the at least relative discipline of the moderate wing of the party now led by Hochul. —Paul Francis, New York Daily News, 22 Jan. 2026

Within this moment, coated in the sugary haze of professional success, a new home, a beautiful wife, and a growing young family warmed by the comforting glow of Christmas-time, Jackie Robinson has never been more ascendant, more complete, more American. —Literary Hub, 21 Jan. 2026

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