ascending

adjective

as·​cend·​ing ə-ˈsen-diŋ How to pronounce ascending (audio)
Synonyms of ascendingnext
1
a
: rising or increasing to higher levels, values, or degrees
ascending powers of x
an ascending scale
b
: mounting or sloping upward
an ascending path
2
: rising upward usually from a more or less flat base or point of attachment
the ascending stems of chickweed

Examples of ascending in a Sentence

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.
The deal done at the dawn of an expected recession reflects both the declining fortunes of many conventional shopping centers and the potential for growth in an economically ascending part of the city. — Roger Vincent, Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2020 An ascending team that will play with more leads, Garrett, Ward & Co. should have more opportunities to record sacks and interceptions, respectively. 14. — Kevin Hanson, SI.com, 2 Aug. 2019

Word History

Etymology

see ascend

First Known Use

1581, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of ascending was in 1581

Phrases Containing ascending

Rhymes for ascending

See All Rhymes for ascending

Browse Nearby Words

ascending
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ascending.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ascending. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on ascending

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for ascending

Nglish: Translation of ascending for Spanish Speakers

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Words You Always Have to Look Up

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Top 10 Sophisticated Insults

Flower Etymologies For Your Spring Garden

More Words with Remarkable Origins

Terroir, Oenophile, & Magnum: Ten Words About Wine

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments
See More

Popular Features

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Top 10 Sophisticated Insults

Flower Etymologies For Your Spring Garden
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Word Game Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
dog-in-disguise
Rhyme Disguise Quiz Pair up words that look different but sound alike.
See All