1
as in climbs
the act or an instance of rising or climbing up
our plane broke through some heavy low clouds during its ascent and leveled off once we were above them
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in hills
an upward slope
we'd reached the final ascent of the trail to the summit
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in promotions
a raising or a state of being raised to a higher rank or position
his long, gradual ascent into the ranks of management
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of ascents
The film offers a sharp study of what drives so many to attempt near-impossible ascents, and why audiences can’t stop watching them in turn.
—
Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 14 Feb. 2026
Teams of male and female competitors will race on longer courses than the sprints, with two ascents and two descents.
—Los Angeles Times, 4 Feb. 2026
The race is on a longer course than the sprints, with two ascents and two descents.
—Sean Gregory, Time, 28 Jan. 2026
Eighteen Mile Creek in Hamburg is another such destination, offering over 25 icy ascents for ice climbers in the Buffalo area.
—Brian Higgins, Outside, 28 Jan. 2026
Marx’s chart history expands following his ascents on pop, adult, country, R&B and rock rankings, as a songwriter and/or recording artist.
—Gary Trust, Billboard, 26 Jan. 2026
The filmmakers should be encouraged by the success of other films that have documented breathtaking ascents, like Free Solo, Meru, 14 Peaks, Touching the Void, and The Alpinist.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 21 Jan. 2026
There are ascents on skis with skins, typically made from mohair and nylon, which are attached underneath for traction.
—Tom Kludt, Vanity Fair, 19 Jan. 2026
Here’s why their ascents are not slowing.
—Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 15 Jan. 2026
Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 14 Feb. 2026
Teams of male and female competitors will race on longer courses than the sprints, with two ascents and two descents.
—Los Angeles Times, 4 Feb. 2026
The race is on a longer course than the sprints, with two ascents and two descents.
—Sean Gregory, Time, 28 Jan. 2026
Eighteen Mile Creek in Hamburg is another such destination, offering over 25 icy ascents for ice climbers in the Buffalo area.
—Brian Higgins, Outside, 28 Jan. 2026
Marx’s chart history expands following his ascents on pop, adult, country, R&B and rock rankings, as a songwriter and/or recording artist.
—Gary Trust, Billboard, 26 Jan. 2026
The filmmakers should be encouraged by the success of other films that have documented breathtaking ascents, like Free Solo, Meru, 14 Peaks, Touching the Void, and The Alpinist.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 21 Jan. 2026
There are ascents on skis with skins, typically made from mohair and nylon, which are attached underneath for traction.
—Tom Kludt, Vanity Fair, 19 Jan. 2026
Here’s why their ascents are not slowing.
—Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 15 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ascents
Noun
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Lock mode proved invaluable on loose climbs, Hill Descent took the stress out of steep drop-offs, and Auto seamlessly shuffled between two- and four-wheel drive as conditions changed.—
Fergus Scholes,
TheWeek,
30 Jan. 2026
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Yet despite their parallel climbs, the two metals have taken different paths to reach these heights, with silver's percentage gains significantly outpacing the steady ascent of gold.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Beyond them, the concrete of the 21st century falls away, replaced by creamy pillars and marble paving stretching into the distance, with green hills beyond.—
Maureen O'Hare,
CNN Money,
9 Feb. 2026
-
From the West Side to the East Side, the riverfront to the surrounding hills, Cincinnati is a city of 52 unique neighborhoods.—
David Ferrara,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
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On Wednesday the company reported better-than-expected sales and delivered beats on the top and bottom lines, driven by buzzy promotions and value offerings.—
Kate Rogers,
CNBC,
11 Feb. 2026
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More than 87% of influencer posts on social media about such tests (including full-body MRI, multi-cancer early detection tests and more) offered a positive spin, according to a JAMA study published in February 2025; about 84% were overt promotions.—
David Oliver,
USA Today,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The fiesta features morning mass ascensions, afterglow balloons and lively entertainment.—
Emese Maczko,
Forbes.com,
19 Sep. 2025
Noun
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There was treadmill work, the running deck set at steep inclines, the speed gradually increasing.—
Don Norcross,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 Feb. 2026
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But the car—small, low to the ground, and exceedingly heavy, owing to the ballistic steel and glass—is not suited to a city like Caracas, which is rife with steep inclines and deep potholes, and is best travelled in a four-by-four.—
Armando Ledezma,
New Yorker,
14 Jan. 2026
Noun
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According to Chinese experts, such events highlight the country’s technological prowess and advancements in robotics, including their applications.—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Feb. 2026
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Despite significant advancements in medical research, a troubling disparity persists in funding allocated to women-specific medical research.—
Michelle Kaufman,
Baltimore Sun,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The few remaining individuals live in barren, rugged terrain at high elevations.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Feb. 2026
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The first significant storm in five weeks continued to douse the Bay Area with rain, bringing about 1 foot of snow to the Sierra at the higher elevations.—
Paul Rogers,
Mercury News,
11 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ascents.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ascents. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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