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 Six months after Vincent’s suicide, Theo died from the ravages of syphilis, leaving Jo a young widow with a baby to support, not much money, and an unusual inheritance—Vincent’s paintings—more than 400 in total. — Joan Martelli, Time, 17 Oct. 2026 The film’s multigenerational story touches on the cultural inheritance passed between mothers, daughters and grandmothers — whether through old traditions or ordinary rituals. — Johanna Ferreira, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026 When a quarrel over an inheritance revives old hostilities, their relationship comes under pressure from greed and treachery in a conflict not of their making. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 14 Oct. 2026 The couple’s properties had long been under Griffith’s name only, including what remained of Tina’s inheritance. — Andrew Coletti, Popular Science, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inheritance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inheritance
Noun
  • Bajaria was popular with them, and her legacy will include the huge growth at international Netflix hubs over the past six years.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The structure of using a house with residents from different eras is hardly unique, nor is the catalyst of a death and a legacy.
    — Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 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
  • Since Jayawardhana took office July 1, donors have committed about $73 million in gifts.
    — Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026
  • However, since the ornament is entered into a holiday gift exchange rather than gifted with proper intention, Tanya suddenly finds herself on the receiving end of everyone else’s misfortune.
    — Rachel LaBonte, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Inheritance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inheritance. Accessed 31 Oct. 2026.

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