Definitions

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.

John Ternus, the long-rumored heir apparent, is stepping in.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 26, 2026

Instead of adding a player who could be an immediate contributor to their Super Bowl aspirations, the Rams drafted Matthew Stafford heir apparent Ty Simpson.

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

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