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 Per the source, Foster and Anderson were engaged in a bitter inheritance dispute relating to their home. — Ben Brachfeld, PEOPLE, 16 July 2026 Inheriting the family businesses Bank of America data shows 23% of businesses among wealthy Americans are now inherited versus just 11% purchased in 2026, a reversal from 2022 when purchases far outpaced inheritance. — Alyson Shontell, Fortune, 15 July 2026 Other major life events such as a divorce, retirement or an inheritance can [also] add some wrinkles. — Rebecca Safier, USA Today, 15 July 2026 For example, in a simplified model of inheritance, one chromosome may carry an allele associated with brown eyes and its homologous partner, an allele associated with blue eyes. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for inheritance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inheritance
  1. legacy
  2. bequest
  3. gift
Noun
  • Film Independent President Juan Devis described the evolution as a deliberate break from legacy recognition toward something more active.
    — Keely Cat-Wells, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026
  • In the 2016 movie Jackie, which chronicles the immediate aftermath of JFK’s assassination, Bobby bemoans to Jackie that their legacy has been wasted with Jack’s death.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 July 2026
Definition of legacy
Noun
  • The Richard Pousette-Dart Foundation has announced a bequest of work by the artist from his late widow, Evelyn Pousette-Dart.
    — Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 21 July 2026
  • Read that way, a 20% annual jump in bequest giving isn't a good year.
    — Gabriel Alin Zainescu, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
Definition of bequest
Noun
  • Some of its greatest gifts arrive disguised as boredom — an afternoon with nothing scheduled, a bike pointed toward a friend’s house, a library book that unexpectedly becomes impossible to put down.
    — Chicago Tribune, Twin Cities, 16 July 2026
  • Federal Election Commission filings released Wednesday night show the CEO personally donated $1 million in May to Public First, the super PAC pushing for mandatory AI safety rules—his largest political gift on record.
    — Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 16 July 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 23 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on inheritance

Nglish: Translation of inheritance for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about inheritance

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