ascending 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of ascendingnext
as in ascendant

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ascending

2 of 2

verb

present participle of ascend
as in rising
to move or extend upward the path ascended so steeply at one point that we had to scramble up on our hands and knees

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of ascending
Adjective
While Chicago has the feel of an ascending team, there are also some shaky components here. — Conor Orr, SI.com, 27 June 2019 The sensation of building up, creating an ascending path of self-esteem, is something that Ellis hopes to foster and manipulate to her advantage. — Andrew Keh, New York Times, 12 June 2019 At this point in life, Keke believes the city has much to offer musically, as well as culturally, to support her ascending career. — Michael Saponara, Billboard, 2 Feb. 2018 The cornerback had just helped the New England Patriots hold off a young and ascending Tampa Bay Buccaneers team Thursday night, 19-14. — Lorenzo Reyes, USA TODAY, 6 Oct. 2017
Verb
An ascending coach on one side in Texas A&M’s Mike Elko and a one fighting a tough narrative in USC’s Lincoln Riley. — Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026 However, power-hitting prospect Andrew Fischer, a 2025 first-round pick, is rapidly ascending. — Chuck Murr, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026 That’s in line with modern baseball trends, with MLB front offices employing more sophisticated evaluation tools to monitor their ascending arms. — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 18 Aug. 2026 The fate of Duke, diagnosed with a life-threatening ascending aortic aneurysm, is ambiguous. — Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026 When the conference was in its early stages of ascending to dominance in the late 2000s, two of the greatest coaches of their era called Tuscaloosa and Gainesville home. — Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 11 Aug. 2026 The footage, shared by Adcock on X, shows the robot ascending a ladder without visible human assistance or remote control. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 3 Aug. 2026 Sperm whales take their naps by first diving down a bit before the buoyant head turns toward the surface; by sinking tail-first to a depth of roughly 8 meters; or by slowly ascending to the surface after a deep dive (over 200 meters). — ArsTechnica, 3 Aug. 2026 And Kingsley is a bad, bad man, using his boxing business as a front for an ascending drug empire run out of London. — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 30 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ascending
  1. ascendant
  2. rising
  3. elevated
  4. climbing
  5. soaring
Adjective
  • Prosecutors have argued Burke killed Hernandez to protect his ascendant music career.
    — James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • The Wings’ future, meanwhile, relies on Fernandez’s gravelly voice being what Bueckers and the other ascendant stars need, too.
    — Brian Hamilton, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of ascendant
Verb
  • The bank said capacity constraints and rising competition are weighing on ASML, but that the stock remains a top pick.
    — Michael Bloom, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Alexandria Eala, a rising global superstar, draws a new Filipino fanbase.
    — Merlisa Lawrence Corbett, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of rising
Adjective
  • This week, Shin stated that despite easing US-Iran tensions, inflation in South Korea is expected to remain elevated for a prolonged period.
    — , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The last night was when Belafonte unexpectedly found himself on stage with his left leg elevated.
    — Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of elevated
Verb
  • Another shows someone climbing into a helicopter, stepping from a roof terrace, onto the landing gear and then into the cockpit, after appearing to take off their t-shirt to wave and attract the aircraft’s attention.
    — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Summer has been scorching across California, with temperatures climbing as high as 110 degrees in some parts of the state.
    — Angela Rodriguez, Sacbee.com, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of climbing
Verb
  • An internal polymer maximizes energy transfer and dampens vibration – making shots feel soft and powerful, while soaring high and tight.
    — Scott Kramer, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Revenues are up, player salaries are higher, viewership is growing, and team valuations are soaring.
    — Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of soaring

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Cite this Entry

“Ascending.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ascending. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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