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heir apparent

noun
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plural heirs apparent

Definition of heir apparent

1 : an heir whose right to an inheritance is indefeasible except by exclusion under a valid will if he or she survives the ancestor
2 : heir presumptive
3 : one whose succession especially to a position or role appears certain under existing circumstances

Examples of heir apparent in a Sentence

The coach named her assistant as her heir apparent.
Recent Examples on the Web Now, in backing Trump to the end, Cruz is positioning himself as the heir apparent for a potential 2024 presidential bid. — Alex Briseno, Dallas News, "Texas Republicans back dubious moves to overturn election to score points with Trump’s loyal base," 14 Dec. 2020 Meanwhile, Smith established himself as the heir apparent to Zavier Simpson at point guard, handing out two of his eight assists to Brown (both were made 3s in the second half). — Orion Sang, Detroit Free Press, "Michigan basketball's two transfers show their worth in sparking season-opening win," 26 Nov. 2020 By all accounts, Mafe was the heir apparent at rush end to Carter Coughlin, a current New York Giants linebacker who recently sacked Tom Brady. — Megan Ryan, Star Tribune, "Defensive end Boye Mafe showing skills to become Gophers' next playmaker," 9 Nov. 2020 But in the case of Dart and Moss, Helton said, both are happy to compete to be the heir apparent to Kedon Slovis. — Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, "USC’s strong 2021 class could get even better in a few weeks," 16 Dec. 2020 Draper retired in 1960 and handed over the paint chips and fabric swatches to her heir apparent, Carleton Varney. — Washington Post, "Pro tip from the Greenbrier’s interior designer: Embrace color and shun beige," 27 Nov. 2020 Punishment for the crime, which also applies to acts against the heir apparent, ranges from 16 years to life in prison. — Hannah Beech, New York Times, "Thailand Steps Up Response as Antigovernment Protests Escalate," 16 Oct. 2020 The 6-foot-2 Detroit native was expected to be the heir apparent to Cassius Winston, but Loyer started the first two games. — Chris Solari, Detroit Free Press, "Michigan State basketball's Rocket Watts was a star vs. Duke, but so was Foster Loyer," 2 Dec. 2020 Now Robinson may be another heir apparent at running back. — Chuck Carlton, Dallas News, "Li’l Ricky? Freshman RB Bijan Robinson still just finding his way as he draws comparison to Texas legend," 12 Nov. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'heir apparent.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of heir apparent

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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The first known use of heir apparent was in the 14th century

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Statistics for heir apparent

Last Updated

8 Jan 2021

Cite this Entry

“Heir apparent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heir%20apparent. Accessed 21 Jan. 2021.

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More Definitions for heir apparent

heir apparent

noun

English Language Learners Definition of heir apparent

: an heir whose right to receive money, property, or a title cannot be taken away
: a person who is very likely to have a job or position after the person who has it now leaves

See the full definition for heir apparent in the English Language Learners Dictionary

heir apparent

Legal Definition of heir apparent

see heir

More from Merriam-Webster on heir apparent

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for heir apparent

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about heir apparent

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