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

Or an authoritative Uncle Jimmy sun, incomparable Sydney moon and industrious Marcus ascendant. — Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 25 June 2026

But with the far right ascendant, simply flinging open the country’s borders would be too great a political risk. — Rogé Karma, The Atlantic, 1 June 2026

Adjective

China’s ascendant biotechs are ‘blowing everyone’s minds’ A gaggle of investors. — STAT, 1 Oct. 2026

Below, Billboard speaks with Coutain about touring with Kes the Band, being inspired by Michael Jackson, and the ascendant Trinidadian musicians whose names the world should know. — Kyle Denis, Billboard, 22 Sep. 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