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.

Once a relatively obscure royal, he outmaneuvered older cousins and purged rivals to become heir apparent as the health of his father, King Salman, declined.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

She has accompanied her father at missile launches and other important outings, fuelling speculation she has effectively been chosen as his heir apparent.

From Barron's • Feb. 13, 2026

New England’s Drake Maye, 23, was also the No. 3 in his draft class two years ago, becoming the heir apparent to Brady.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 7, 2026

On paper, Greene has a lot going for her a Trump’s heir apparent, and she likely will get checkbooks flinging open.

From Salon • Oct. 6, 2025

Instead the Fowl heir apparent crossed to the monitor wall and followed developments from there.

From "Artemis Fowl" by Eoin Colfer