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.

Saddam Haftar, widely seen as his heir apparent, serves as deputy commander of the LNA, while another son, Khaled, is chief of staff.

From Barron's • May 26, 2026

Ty Simpson is hoping to learn everything he can from Rams star Matthew Stafford as the reigning MVP’s heir apparent at quarterback for the Rams.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 24, 2026

And they knew just how they wanted to spend that luxury asset—which is why Ty Simpson is now the heir apparent to an offensive juggernaut.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 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

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