Thesaurus results for HEIR APPARENT

heir apparent

noun

Definition of heir apparent

as in successor

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Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of heir apparent Messi, ever the showman, scored a stunning hat trick—his first ever in a World Cup—for the 3–0 win, and was subbed out in the seventy-ninth minute for Nico Paz (suggested by some to be his heir apparent), to a standing ovation. — Jordan Salama, New Yorker, 27 June 2026 An heir apparent to Draymond Green. — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 24 June 2026 Princess Catharina-Amalia of the Netherlands, 22, is the heir apparent to the Dutch throne, while Princess Elisabeth is first in the Belgian line of succession. — Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 24 June 2026 Ryan Coogler, especially after the success of Sinners, feels like the most likely heir apparent. — Rebecca Ford, Vanity Fair, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for heir apparent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for heir apparent

Noun

The release also said that Graves will continue in her role until a successor has been selected.

— Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026
Struijk’s compatriot was seen as a natural successor to regular partner Dunk as captain.

— Andy Naylor, New York Times, 30 July 2026

Definition of successor

Noun

Other South China Sea claimant states use the ruling to justify their own actions—and are sharply denounced by China each time.

— Jill Goldenziel, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026
On Wednesday, July 29, a follow-up hearing began to determine how much of ANL’s legal costs the claimants will be liable for.

— Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 29 July 2026

Definition of claimant

Noun

The show follows a private investigator, Rapp, played by Reid, who heads to a small coastal town to investigate the disappearance of Henry Park, played by Williams, the young heir to a powerful fishery.

— Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 25 July 2026
Norah goes to search for her, and in doing so, encounters George Bartram, the heir.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 July 2026

Definition of heir

Noun

Three candidates are vying to represent southeast Olathe as the state representative for Kansas’ 78th district.

— Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2026
Each of the representatives will receive a $15,000 grant from MLS to support their organization.

— Alex Zietlow July 25, Charlotte Observer, 25 July 2026

Definition of representative

Browse Nearby Words

heir

heir apparent

heir at law

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Style

“Heir apparent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heir%20apparent. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of heir apparent

noun

Example Sentences

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