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
  • François remains torn about his family’s legacy—and as an architect his work focuses on energy conservation.
    — Jordan Blum, Fortune, 24 July 2026
  • In addition to the flawless transfer, the disc features hours of extra features in the form of an audio commentary, interviews with key cast and crew members, and a documentary devoted to the legacy of Steve James.
    — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 24 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
  • Staff visit mothers in the hospital, bring small gifts to celebrate their new babies, conduct developmental screenings and connect families with evaluations or services when needed.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 24 July 2026
  • The gift is the latest step in an aggressive national expansion that has the 153-year-old university opening a New York City campus this fall, planning a graduate campus in West Palm Beach, and building a quantum-computing institute in Chattanooga.
    — Sydney Lake, Fortune, 23 July 2026
Definition of gift

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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 26 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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