heir apparent
noun
plural heirs apparent
1
: an heir whose right to an inheritance is indefeasible except by exclusion under a valid will if he or she survives the ancestor
2
3
: one whose succession especially to a position or role appears certain under existing circumstances
Examples of heir apparent in a Sentence
The coach named her assistant as her heir apparent.
Recent Examples on the Web
Or is this all a defense mechanism for the heir apparent to the Eagan empire?
—
Josh Wigler, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Feb. 2025
Disney heir apparent Dana Walden and Dune: Part Two’s Denis Villeneuve didn’t appear to wear theirs, but Ariana Grande made an effort to pin hers over the marabou feathers of her dress.
—Myles Hendrik, Vulture, 26 Feb. 2025
People across the game viewed Venable as the 69-year-old Bochy’s heir apparent.
—Cody Stavenhagen, The Athletic, 20 Feb. 2025
The King may, however, select one of his brothers as heir apparent.
—Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 16 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for heir apparent
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Josh Wigler, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Feb. 2025
Disney heir apparent Dana Walden and Dune: Part Two’s Denis Villeneuve didn’t appear to wear theirs, but Ariana Grande made an effort to pin hers over the marabou feathers of her dress.
—Myles Hendrik, Vulture, 26 Feb. 2025
People across the game viewed Venable as the 69-year-old Bochy’s heir apparent.
—Cody Stavenhagen, The Athletic, 20 Feb. 2025
The King may, however, select one of his brothers as heir apparent.
—Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 16 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for heir apparent
Cite this Entry
“Heir apparent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heir%20apparent. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.
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