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 market for work by François-Xavier Lalanne and Claude Lalanne—collectively known as Les Lalanne—is fast ascendant. —Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 22 Apr. 2026

With Trump looking unstoppable and conservative culture looking ascendant, companies, law firms, universities, and other institutions decided that acquiescence was both the safest option and good business. —Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 19 Feb. 2026

Adjective

The Daily Wire was once ascendant in right-wing media. —Drew Harwell, Washington Post, 9 May 2026

Some of the most ascendant online stars, who helped boost him among younger right-leaning and independent voters in 2024, have abandoned him. —Max Tani, semafor.com, 4 May 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