ascend

1. To move climb or go upward.
2. To occupy a higher position.

Remember how we were taught ascend and descend as a pair of opposites in school. Though not the easiest way to learn but learning ascend as an antonym to descend certainly makes it meaning more relatable and easier to recall.

1. They watched their balloons slowly ascending into the sky.
2. Several paths ascended to the top of the mountain.
3. A new national government ascended to power.