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.

Haftar, 82, and his sons -- including Saddam, his heir apparent -- will attend the display of firepower on May 19, along with foreign and Libyan officials.

From Barron's • May 17, 2026

That’s no knock on Simpson, a charming and mature Tennessee native who started 15 games for Alabama before the Rams made him the heir apparent to Matthew Stafford.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 25, 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

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

The new heir apparent soon had an opportunity to endear himself to the Athenians.

From "Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes" by Edith Hamilton