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.

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

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

By the time he won his fourth major in 2014, at just 25, he was viewed as the heir apparent to Tiger Woods.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

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

From "Artemis Fowl" by Eoin Colfer