ascend
8 synonyms and 1 antonym for ascend, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To move or climb upward.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use ascend
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
ascend to the throne
ascend a mountain
ascend the ranks
Etymology
From Latin ascendere, "to climb up," built from ad- ("to") plus scandere ("to climb") — the same root gives us "scan" and "descend."
Full origin of ascend →Frequently asked questions
What does “ascend” mean?
The word “ascend” means to move or climb upward. In plain terms, to go up — physically, or in status, rank, or power.
How do you pronounce “ascend”?
“Ascend” is pronounced uh-SEHND (/əˈsɛnd/ in IPA).
How do you use “ascend” in a sentence?
Here is “ascend” used in a sentence: “The hikers ascended the steep trail toward the summit.”
What is the opposite of “ascend”?
The opposite of “ascend” — its antonyms — is descend.
What part of speech is “ascend”?
“Ascend” is a verb.
Where does the word “ascend” come from?
The word “ascend” comes from Latin. From Latin ascendere, "to climb up," built from ad- ("to") plus scandere ("to climb") — the same root gives us "scan" and "descend.".
Is “ascend” a common word?
“Ascend” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “ascend” have?
“Ascend” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to move or climb upward.
