ascendancy

noun

as·​cen·​dan·​cy ə-ˈsen-dən(t)-sē 

variants or less commonly ascendency

: governing or controlling influence : domination

Did you know?

In the course of a year, the sun appears to pass through the twelve constellations of the zodiac in sequence, and all the planets also lie close to the solar path. The constellation and planet that are just rising, or ascendant, above the eastern horizon in the sun's path at the moment of a child's birth are said by astrologers to exercise a lifelong controlling influence over the child. This is the idea that lies at the heart of ascendancy, though the word today no longer hints at supernatural powers.

Synonyms of ascendancy

• dominance
• domination
• dominion
• supremacy
• sovereignty
• reign

Examples of ascendancy in a Sentence

the ascendancy of the government

a book chronicling the ascendancy of fascism in Europe after World War I

Recent Examples on the Web

Other notable awards included recognition of emerging Taiwanese carrier STARLUX’s ascendancy to Skytrax’s five-star rating category. — Barry Neild, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2026

Villaraigosa represented the ascendancy of Latinos as a political and cultural force in the city as well as a new generation of leadership. — Deputy Managing Editor, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2026

Amid their cultural ascendancy, many WAGs are looking at ways to expand their footprint beyond the sports or social media worlds. — Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 8 Sep. 2026

Their joint ascendancy in this decade has coincided with a change introduced for this tournament that increased their chances of meeting. — Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 14 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1641, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for ascendancy

• ascendency
• dependency
• independency
• interdependency
• superintendency
• pendency
• tendency

Kids Definition

ascendancy

noun

as·​cen·​dan·​cy ə-ˈsen-dən-sē 

: controlling influence