ascendancy

noun

as·​cen·​dan·​cy ə-ˈsen-dən(t)-sē How to pronounce ascendancy (audio)
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.

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Xi is particularly confident that structural trends—as evidenced by the 2008 financial crisis and the rise of populist movements in the West—favor China’s ascendancy. Kyle Balzer, Foreign Affairs, 21 Nov. 2024 His theology is focused not only on their salvation but on their ascendancy as well. Tope Folarin, The Atlantic, 21 Nov. 2024 Armed with praise from the Gay Godfather of Punk, with a small budget and large ambition for their ascendancy, the first All-Male, Alt-Gay, Downtown Fiction Roadshow began. Ira Silverberg, Vulture, 29 Oct. 2024 Sinner asserted his increasing ascendancy over the Serb, winning 7-6, 6-3 after coming out on top in a fierce battle in the opening set. Tim Ellis, Forbes, 14 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ascendancy 

Word History

First Known Use

1641, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ascendancy was in 1641

Dictionary Entries Near ascendancy

Cite this Entry

“Ascendancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ascendancy. Accessed 13 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

ascendancy

noun
as·​cen·​dan·​cy ə-ˈsen-dən-sē How to pronounce ascendancy (audio)
: controlling influence

More from Merriam-Webster on ascendancy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!