heir apparent

[air uh-pair-uhnt, uh-par-] / ˈɛər əˈpɛər ənt, əˈpær- /

NOUN

person expected to take over

Synonyms

STRONGEST

crown prince

WEAK

apparent heir heir expectant

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Saddam Haftar, widely seen as his heir apparent, serves as deputy commander of the LNA, while another son, Khaled, is chief of staff.

From Barron's • May 26, 2026

And they knew just how they wanted to spend that luxury asset—which is why Ty Simpson is now the heir apparent to an offensive juggernaut.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

Ty Simpson is hoping to learn everything he can from Rams star Matthew Stafford as the reigning MVP’s heir apparent at quarterback for the Rams.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 24, 2026

I had an informal meeting with him in the UK recently and I asked him then whether he really was heir apparent to the Apple throne.

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2026

In the four years since Mills had joined the Rad Lab, he had emerged as Ernest’s heir apparent.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik