ascended; ascending; ascends
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
1
: to go or move up
ascend a staircase
2
: to succeed to : occupy
ascend the throne
Synonyms
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.
stairs ascending to the attic
John Adams ascended to the presidency in 1797.
She worked as a clerk before ascending to her current position.
Recent Examples on the Web
As Trump’s numbers ascended on Tuesday night, Bitcoin hit a new record high, topping $75,000.
—
Andrew R. Chow, TIME, 6 Nov. 2024
Vice President Harris fell short of making history as the first woman — and first woman of color — to ascend to the presidency on Tuesday, but multiple other candidates of color did seal their place in the history books.
—Cheyanne M. Daniels, The Hill, 6 Nov. 2024
President Joe Biden also became the first incumbent president in decades to not to seek a second term in office after a disastrous debate performance, clearing the way for Harris to ascend to the top of the Democratic ticket over the summer.
—Rachel Barber, USA TODAY, 5 Nov. 2024
Rather than ascending the peak itself, William opted for a more intimate experience along the coastal foothills, a scenic spot known for its sweeping ocean views and rugged terrain.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for ascend 
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.
Andrew R. Chow, TIME, 6 Nov. 2024
Vice President Harris fell short of making history as the first woman — and first woman of color — to ascend to the presidency on Tuesday, but multiple other candidates of color did seal their place in the history books.
—Cheyanne M. Daniels, The Hill, 6 Nov. 2024
President Joe Biden also became the first incumbent president in decades to not to seek a second term in office after a disastrous debate performance, clearing the way for Harris to ascend to the top of the Democratic ticket over the summer.
—Rachel Barber, USA TODAY, 5 Nov. 2024
Rather than ascending the peak itself, William opted for a more intimate experience along the coastal foothills, a scenic spot known for its sweeping ocean views and rugged terrain.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for ascend
Dictionary Entries Near ascend
Cite this Entry
“Ascend.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ascend. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
ascend
verb
as·cend
ə-ˈsend 
Medical Definition
ascend
intransitive verb
as·cend
ə-ˈsend
: 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share