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

So their muted reactions Thursday might have been out of sensitivity, warranted or not, to not upset Stafford after drafting his heir apparent in the first round.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 24, 2026

The Rams selected Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson, making him the heir apparent to the reigning NFL most valuable player.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026

He revolutionized the company’s operations, emerged as the heir apparent to Jobs and officially took over as CEO in August 2011.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026

Robby Edmondson’s tenth-grade sister and heir apparent, Lindsay, puts microphones on the cast and does sound checks.

From "Drama High" by Michael Sokolove