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
Mira Rapp-Hooper, Foreign Affairs, 10 Feb. 2020
His project syncs up with the radical skepticism ascendant on the American right, which is currently upending decades of institutional wisdom around public health, education and international trade.
—Joseph Bernstein, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
Josh Feldman, NBC News, 9 Mar. 2025
Indeed, an ascendant wing of the Republican Party has actively pushed for a more muscular government—in the areas of family and industrial policy, for example—after reaching the conclusion that Reagan-style market orthodoxy has hollowed out communities, among other bad outcomes.
—Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 2 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for ascendant
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Noun
In the meantime, an ascendant China has sought to corrode U.S. alliances in the Pacific.
—Mira Rapp-Hooper, Foreign Affairs, 10 Feb. 2020
His project syncs up with the radical skepticism ascendant on the American right, which is currently upending decades of institutional wisdom around public health, education and international trade.
—Joseph Bernstein, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
Adjective
The leader of Germany’s AfD party is part of a growing group of powerful women leading Europe’s ascendant far-right parties.
—Josh Feldman, NBC News, 9 Mar. 2025
Indeed, an ascendant wing of the Republican Party has actively pushed for a more muscular government—in the areas of family and industrial policy, for example—after reaching the conclusion that Reagan-style market orthodoxy has hollowed out communities, among other bad outcomes.
—Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 2 May 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 5 Jun. 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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