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
variants
or less commonly ascendent
ascendantly
adverb
Examples of ascendant in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 2 July 2025
These ascendants met for back-to-back bedlam in March Madness.
—Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 17 May 2025
Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 9 July 2025
The previous decade had seen America’s ascendant mass media fuel a flurry of headline-grabbing stunts.
—Nick Woltman, Twin Cities, 6 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for ascendant
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Noun
Italian ascendant Emma Severini looks for her second international goal ahead of her 22nd birthday.
—Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 2 July 2025
These ascendants met for back-to-back bedlam in March Madness.
—Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 17 May 2025
Adjective
Those ascendant role players are helping Toronto survive injuries to key contributors and rattle off its longest win streak since 2015.
—Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 9 July 2025
The previous decade had seen America’s ascendant mass media fuel a flurry of headline-grabbing stunts.
—Nick Woltman, Twin Cities, 6 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for ascendant
Cite this Entry
“Ascendant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ascendant. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
ascendant
1 of 2 noun
as·cen·dant
ə-ˈsen-dənt
: a state or position of commanding power
ascendant
2 of 2 adjective1
: moving up : rising
2
a
: in a superior position
b
: inclined to control
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