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

Relevance

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 For scale, the entire annual adaptation gap is roughly one-seventh to one-ninth of a single year's inheritances. — Missy S. Mastel, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2026 Regulations regarding inheritances from retirement plans are complex. — Elliot Raphaelson, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Nov. 2026 Alberto learns that his grandfather—whom his mother, Teresa (Lola Dueñas), was bitterly estranged from and never introduced her son to—has recently died and left him a curious inheritance, a mystery that needs untangling. — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2026 That said, why are there questions about Charles’ inheritance swirling? — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 2 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inheritance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inheritance
Noun
  • And that may prove a far more consequential legacy of the AI meme machine than any joke about the man who helped build it.
    — Steve Mollman, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Nov. 2026
  • The casual diner is famous for its classic American eats, but guests may be unaware of the legacy behind its burgers, cooked up by its parent company, Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants.
    — S. Sorrina Beecher, Chicago Tribune, 13 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Additionally, Jose has chosen his longtime executive assistant to vote his company shares going forward and has left her a substantial bequest—about $10 million at his death and $1 million a year thereafter.
    — Christina Wing, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2026
  • In 1920, the trustees of Berea College, a private liberal arts school in Kentucky, passed a resolution placing future unrestricted bequests, donations made through people’s estates, in the school’s endowment.
    — Genevieve Shaker, The Conversation, 12 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The same senators on Wednesday announced a separate investigation into hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of gifts reportedly given last year to Kennedy by a donor and former employee.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 13 Nov. 2026
  • The same senators on Wednesday announced a separate investigation into hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of gifts reportedly given last year to Kennedy by a donor and former employee.
    — Ali Swenson, Los Angeles Times, 12 Nov. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inheritance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inheritance. Accessed 15 Nov. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on inheritance

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster