Select the most appropriate synonym that can replace the underlined word in the given sentence.
It did not take her very long to ascend to power.

The correct answer is climb.

Explanation:

In the given sentence, "It did not take her very long to ascend to power," the word ascend means to go up, rise, or advance to a higher position or rank.

Let's analyze the given options to find the most appropriate synonym:

1. climb: Means to go up, rise, or ascend. In the context of attaining power or position, "climb to power" or "ascend to power" carries the exact same meaning of making progress upward to a higher status.

2. arise: Means to originate, occur, or get up from a sitting or lying position, which does not fit the context of rising to a position of authority.

3. grab: Means to take or grasp suddenly, which implies force or haste rather than ascending/rising.

4. reach: Means to arrive at or achieve a destination, which is related but not the direct synonym for "ascend" (rising/climbing upward).

Therefore, climb is the most suitable synonym to replace the underlined word ascend.