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
Brennan is the senior incumbent now and appears to be the next heir apparent to the throne.
—
Christian Babcock, The Mercury News, 8 Aug. 2024
Despite the lack of a formal announcement, the NIS believes Kim’s preteen daughter, Kim Ju Ae, is most likely the heir apparent, with most of her public appearances involving attending military activities with her father.
—Stella Kim, NBC News, 30 July 2024
By Armani Syed July 25, 2024 8:27 AM EDT
Prince William has marked his first full financial year as the British royal family’s heir apparent, a lucrative role that has earned him £23.6 million ($30.4 million), a new report shows.
—Armani Syed, TIME, 25 July 2024
As arguably the heir apparent for the nomination should the president step aside, Harris would need to shore up voter and donor support quickly if Biden exits the race.
—Maegan Vazquez, Washington Post, 20 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for heir apparent 
Christian Babcock, The Mercury News, 8 Aug. 2024
Despite the lack of a formal announcement, the NIS believes Kim’s preteen daughter, Kim Ju Ae, is most likely the heir apparent, with most of her public appearances involving attending military activities with her father.
—Stella Kim, NBC News, 30 July 2024
By Armani Syed July 25, 2024 8:27 AM EDT
Prince William has marked his first full financial year as the British royal family’s heir apparent, a lucrative role that has earned him £23.6 million ($30.4 million), a new report shows.
—Armani Syed, TIME, 25 July 2024
As arguably the heir apparent for the nomination should the president step aside, Harris would need to shore up voter and donor support quickly if Biden exits the race.
—Maegan Vazquez, Washington Post, 20 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for heir apparent
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'heir apparent.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near heir apparent
Cite this Entry
“Heir apparent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heir%20apparent. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.
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