heir apparent
noun
plural heirs 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
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
He is seen as an ideological heir apparent to Justice Clarence Thomas.
—
Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 21 May 2025
Francis had his eye on the new pope Francis, the first Latin American pope, clearly had his eye on Prevost and in many ways saw him as his heir apparent.
—Nicole Winfield, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2025
Though born second, Prince Jacques is the heir apparent to his father's throne, while Princess Gabriella carries the title Countess of Carladès.
—Meredith Kile, People.com, 27 June 2025
As the Blatter regime down the road at FIFA began to crumble, Platini became the heir apparent.
—Oliver Kay, New York Times, 12 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for heir apparent
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 21 May 2025
Francis had his eye on the new pope Francis, the first Latin American pope, clearly had his eye on Prevost and in many ways saw him as his heir apparent.
—Nicole Winfield, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2025
Though born second, Prince Jacques is the heir apparent to his father's throne, while Princess Gabriella carries the title Countess of Carladès.
—Meredith Kile, People.com, 27 June 2025
As the Blatter regime down the road at FIFA began to crumble, Platini became the heir apparent.
—Oliver Kay, New York Times, 12 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for heir apparent
Cite this Entry
“Heir apparent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heir%20apparent. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share