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.

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

AIG is paying him $2.7 million under a “mutual agreement” that he forfeit a coveted role as its heir apparent, according to securities filings.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 28, 2025

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