anti-incumbent
adjective
an·ti-in·cum·bent
ˌan-tē-in-ˈkəm-bənt 
ˌan-tī-
ˌan-tī-
: characterized by or expressing opposition to or disapproval of current political officeholders
Some would argue that 1994 was a mere extension of the anti-incumbent mood in 1992 that toppled President George Bush …—
Donald R. Wolfensberger
Donald R. WolfensbergerExamples of anti-incumbent in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
If enough Boca Raton voters are fed up with this ugly trend — and strong signs show an anti-incumbent backlash in the city — the insurgent Liebelson could win.
—Steve Bousquet, Sun Sentinel, 21 Feb. 2026
The presidential election in Poland delivered the latest anti-incumbent surprise in what has been a tough period for establishment candidates the world over.
—Ian Bremmer, Time, 21 June 2025
The insurgent bids seized on a growing anti-incumbent sentiment, which most recently played a part in the ouster of longtime healthcare labor leader George Gresham of 1199SEIU, who POLITICO reported used member dues to benefit himself, his family and political allies.
—Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 31 May 2025
But the uncertainty wrought by Mr. Trump may have turned voters toward the stability of the current government of Mr. Albanese, in a shift from the worldwide anti-incumbent sentiments that had been dominant last year, Mr. Bongiorno said.
—Victoria Kim, New York Times, 2 May 2025
In November, Borowsky beat former Scottsdale Mayor David Ortega in an election that reflected a wave of anti-incumbent sentiment in the city.
—Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 26 Mar. 2025
Still, the destabilizing effect of the anti-incumbent mood currently gripping voters is a concern for other politicians on the world stage.
—Ned Temko, The Christian Science Monitor, 5 Dec. 2024
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Steve Bousquet, Sun Sentinel, 21 Feb. 2026
The presidential election in Poland delivered the latest anti-incumbent surprise in what has been a tough period for establishment candidates the world over.
—Ian Bremmer, Time, 21 June 2025
The insurgent bids seized on a growing anti-incumbent sentiment, which most recently played a part in the ouster of longtime healthcare labor leader George Gresham of 1199SEIU, who POLITICO reported used member dues to benefit himself, his family and political allies.
—Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 31 May 2025
But the uncertainty wrought by Mr. Trump may have turned voters toward the stability of the current government of Mr. Albanese, in a shift from the worldwide anti-incumbent sentiments that had been dominant last year, Mr. Bongiorno said.
—Victoria Kim, New York Times, 2 May 2025
In November, Borowsky beat former Scottsdale Mayor David Ortega in an election that reflected a wave of anti-incumbent sentiment in the city.
—Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 26 Mar. 2025
Still, the destabilizing effect of the anti-incumbent mood currently gripping voters is a concern for other politicians on the world stage.
—Ned Temko, The Christian Science Monitor, 5 Dec. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Anti-incumbent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anti-incumbent. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.
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