ascend

verb

as·​cend ə-ˈsend How to pronounce ascend (audio)
ascended; ascending; ascends
Synonyms of ascendnext

intransitive verb

1
a
: to move upward
the balloon ascended
b
: to slope upward
The path ascends through the woods.
c
: to conduct nerve impulses toward or to the brain
an ascending somatosensory pathway
2
a
: to rise from a lower level or degree
ascend to power
b
: to go back in time or in order of genealogical succession
c
: to pass from lower to higher musical notes
C – E ascending

transitive verb

1
: to go or move up
ascend a staircase
2
: to succeed to : occupy
ascend the throne
ascendable adjective
or ascendible
ə-ˈsen-də-bəl How to pronounce ascend (audio)

Synonyms

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Examples of ascend in a Sentence

They watched their balloons slowly ascend into the sky. Divers must not ascend too rapidly to the water's surface. She believed that when she died, her soul would ascend to heaven. Several paths ascend to the top of the mountain.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
He still is considered to be a bit raw, an ascending player working to discover his maximum impact. — Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 14 Mar. 2025 Anthony Mackie may have ascended to a new level of movie stardom with his latest film, Captain America: Brave New World, but parenting is still his biggest priority. — Lexi Carson, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Mar. 2025 Nevertheless, Landau’s concept required Menzel and her co-stars to don harnesses and ascend Stella, to dance while climbing, and–in Menzel’s case–to belt while suspended upside-down in the air. — Luna Adler, Vogue, 10 Mar. 2025 Edward died on July 6, 1553, and Jane, who had fainted when first presented with the idea of becoming Queen, ascended the throne four days later. — Amarachi Orie, CNN, 7 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ascend

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin ascendere, from ad- + scandere to climb — more at scan

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of ascend was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing ascend

Rhymes for ascend

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Browse Nearby Words

ascend
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Cite this Entry

“Ascend.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ascend. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

ascend

verb
as·​cend ə-ˈsend How to pronounce ascend (audio)
: to go up : climb, rise
ascend a hill
smoke ascends
ascendable adjective
or ascendible
-ˈsen-də-bəl How to pronounce ascend (audio)

Medical Definition

ascend

intransitive verb
as·​cend ə-ˈsend How to pronounce ascend (audio)
: to move upward: as
a
: to conduct nerve impulses toward or to the brain
nerve fibers that ascend to a nucleus of the brain
ascending and descending tracts
b
: to affect the extremities and especially the lower limbs first and then the central nervous system
ascending paralysis

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Nglish: Translation of ascend for Spanish Speakers

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