inheritance

noun

in-ˈher-ə-tən(t)s How to pronounce inheritance (audio)
Definition of inheritancenext
as in legacy
something that is or may be inherited a keen sense of humor was her inheritance from her mother

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 inheritance Be ready for sudden changes that might affect banking, insurance issues, taxes, debt or inheritances. — Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 9 Oct. 2026 For example, rather than preserving a certain portion of an investment portfolio specifically for heirs, retirees may be able to rely on a life insurance death benefit to provide an inheritance. — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026 Trent Von Ahsen of Cedar Point Capital Partners also told Fortune his clients are leaning on mentorship and phased wealth transfers rather than lump-sum inheritances. — Sydney Lake, Fortune, 6 Oct. 2026 Conversely, East of Eden unfurls its consideration of human nature and inheritance across multiple generations. — Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inheritance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inheritance
  1. legacy
  2. bequest
  3. gift
Noun
  • This is a call to action for this new cohort of captains to continue the legacy set before them by decades of philanthropists.
    — Melissa Stevens, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Now, correspondent Anthony Mason reports on the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York's landmark show that rewrites the story of Krasner and Pollock, two artists whose work and legacy were – aesthetically and personally – bound together.
    — David Morgan, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of legacy
Noun
  • Some conditions allowed by courts made bequests contingent on a beneficiary's being married, staying married, or being employed.
    — Bob Carlson, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Putin himself acknowledged the bequest, signing a directive to accept it as state property, and to find a building in which to exhibit it.
    — George Nelson, Air Mail, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of bequest
Noun
  • Every episode at Season 23 is a gift, and a lot of people here feel that way.
    — Max Gao, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Trump opened his remarks there by describing how the new jet parked behind him was a gift from the Qatari royal family.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of gift

Browse Nearby Words

inheritable
inheritance
inheritances
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Cite this Entry

“Inheritance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inheritance. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on inheritance

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about inheritance

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