heir apparent

noun

Definition of heir apparentnext
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 Teonic replaces Ron Planz, who left to become the heir apparent at Barrington after seven successful seasons at Lake Zurich. — Steve Reaven, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2026 Sampath’s departure, months after he was handed a multimillion-dollar retention package, left the company without an heir apparent. — Rohan Goswami, semafor.com, 30 July 2026 Princess Elisabeth, the 24-year-old heir apparent to the Belgian throne, graduated from the Harvard Kennedy School in May, having completed her two-year master’s degree in public policy. — Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 27 July 2026 The Rossis want to take down their rivals, the Norths, by targeting their heir apparent, Drayden, who is also Gina’s new boss. — Joe Otterson, Variety, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for heir apparent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for heir apparent
  1. successor
  2. claimant
  3. heir
  4. representative
Noun
  • The Titans were in the cellar and had just fired Vrabel’s successor, while the Patriots were on the way to the Super Bowl.
    — Mike Semel, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
  • These details, and whether the car was running the now-obsolete Autopilot or its more advanced successor FSD is impossible to know, because Tesla censored that section of the crash report.
    — Frank Landymore, Futurism, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of successor
Noun
  • In 2000, when a small tanker carrying no liability insurance and no class certificate sank off Abu Dhabi, the Funds paid claimants in the United Arab Emirates anyway.
    — Charles Edward Gehrke, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Unlike certain other claimants of Appalachian background, Parton related her stories of hillbilly hardship without grievance.
    — David Kamp, HollywoodReporter, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of claimant
Noun
  • His wife became Queen Mette-Marit, while his oldest child, Ingrid Alexandra, became crown princess and heir to the throne.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Yankees fans might be getting flashbacks of Boone’s defense for Anthony Volpe, who similarly faded into inconsistency after emerging as the apparent heir to the franchise’s shortstop role.
    — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of heir
Noun
  • Hutton said Calumet College regularly sends representatives to the school to monitor it, including its governance system and academic programs.
    — Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Fifty-one contestants — one representative from each of the 50 states, plus the District of Columbia — vied for the crown.
    — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of representative

Browse Nearby Words

heir
heir apparent
heir at law
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Heir apparent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heir%20apparent. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on heir apparent

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about heir apparent

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