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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 When Henry Dashwood dies, his wife (Caitríona Balfe) and three daughters are left with an inheritance of just £500 a year. — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 15 Sep. 2026 But decisions tied to life goals, risk tolerance, major trade-offs and emotional moments like a job loss or inheritance need human judgment. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2026 These disparate elements don’t wholly cohere, but the film still prods at ideas about maternal inheritance, feminine power, and community. — Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2026 His grandson Melchior is more interested in the world of high finance than in taking over the family business that would naturally be his inheritance. — Jessica Kiang, Variety, 11 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inheritance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inheritance
  1. legacy
  2. bequest
  3. gift
Noun
  • Friends, colleagues and family gathered Thursday to celebrate the life and legacy of Etta Froio, former senior vice president, executive editor and associate publisher of Fairchild Publications, parent of WWD, who died June 11 at age 94.
    — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Contributor Jane Horowitz writes about Wolfe‘s legacy and the (sometimes controversial) origins of his collection.
    — Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 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
  • Too obviously the gift of someone trying to seem casually cultured?
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Hogan similarly asked jurors to disregard Flores’ request to be compensated for the value of future gifts that Muderrig might have purchased for her.
    — Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 24 Sep. 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 27 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on inheritance

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about inheritance

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