Synonyms of ascent

ascent

noun

ə-ˈsent 

1

as in climb

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

• climb
• ascension
• rising
• rise
• takeoff
• hike
• soar
• increase
• elevation
• raise
• liftoff
• hoist
• thrust
• boost
• levitation
• raising
• upsurge
• upturn
• upheaval
• upswing
• blastoff
• uplifting
• heave
• uptrend
• upwelling
• upthrust
• upraising
• upsweep

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• descent
• fall
• drop
• dip
• dive
• plunge
• sinking
• decrease
• decline
• nosedive
• down
• plummeting
• downfall
• plop
• downgrade
• comedown

2

as in hill

an upward slope

we'd reached the final ascent of the trail to the summit

Synonyms & Similar Words

• hill
• climb
• incline
• inclination
• uphill
• rise
• acclivity
• gradient
• uprise
• upgrade
• ridge
• pitch
• lean
• tilt
• diagonal
• rake
• grade
• glacis
• swell
• mound
• cant
• hump

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• descent
• decline
• fall
• downhill
• dip
• declivity
• hanging
• declension
• downgrade
• basin
• depression
• drop-off
• hollow
• hang

3

as in promotion

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

• promotion
• rise
• advancement
• elevation
• creation
• upgrading
• preferment
• upgrade
• preference
• exaltation
• aggrandizement
• glorification
• magnification
• ennoblement

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• reduction
• degradation
• abasement
• removal
• demotion
• deposition
• suspension
• downgrade
• dismissal
• overthrow
• expulsion
• discharge
• impeachment
• comedown
• ouster
• fall
• downfall
• disrating
• dethronement
• unmaking
• unseating

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of ascent

The documentary arrives as the group enters another major chapter in its already rapid ascent. — Alicia Urrea, Billboard, 30 Sep. 2026

The 30-year Treasury bond yield continued its ascent yesterday, hitting its highest level going back to 2002 and weighing down stocks. — Alex Harring, CNBC, 30 Sep. 2026

Meanwhile, Ship continued on its upward ascent, inserting into low Earth orbit (LEO) about a half-hour into the flight. — Mike Wall, Space.com, 28 Sep. 2026

One of the six engines on Starship failed during ascent, prompting SpaceX to decide whether to continue to orbit. — Brendan Byrne, NPR, 28 Sep. 2026