as in obligation
something one must do because of prior agreement
few incumbencies of her office are as distasteful to the college president as fund-raising, of which there seems to be no end
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Recent Examples of incumbency
But presidential results are a useful lens because of their high turnout and ability to offer a clearer view of partisan trends than congressional elections, which can be highly influenced by incumbency.
—
Ashley Wu, New York Times, 18 May 2026
The upcoming election may influence the council’s decision, as appointing someone who plans to run in 2027 could give the candidate an incumbency advantage.
—Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 8 May 2026
Park is seeking her second term with the benefit of incumbency and the backing of two powerful unions, the Los Angeles Police Protective League and the United Firefighters of Los Angeles City.
—Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026
Bass has experience, incumbency, and the support of the city’s powerful labor unions in an overwhelmingly Democratic city.
—Douglas E. Schoen, Washington Post, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for incumbency
Ashley Wu, New York Times, 18 May 2026
The upcoming election may influence the council’s decision, as appointing someone who plans to run in 2027 could give the candidate an incumbency advantage.
—Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 8 May 2026
Park is seeking her second term with the benefit of incumbency and the backing of two powerful unions, the Los Angeles Police Protective League and the United Firefighters of Los Angeles City.
—Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026
Bass has experience, incumbency, and the support of the city’s powerful labor unions in an overwhelmingly Democratic city.
—Douglas E. Schoen, Washington Post, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for incumbency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incumbency
Noun
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The United States would have 60 days to fulfill their obligations specified in the agreement, Aragchi said.—
Bart Jansen,
USA Today,
13 June 2026
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Roughly $30 billion of the ATM proceeds will cover 2026 calendar year employee equity tax obligations.—
Arthur Zaczkiewicz,
Footwear News,
12 June 2026
Noun
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The Current did double World Cup duty Wednesday as the Netherlands also trained at the Current’s practice facility in Riverside.—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
11 June 2026
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Drivers will still have to pay for car tax, servicing and MOTs with an EV, plus the government is planning to introduce pay-per-mile charges from April 2028 as a replacement for shrinking fuel duty revenues.—
Marc Shoffman,
TheWeek,
11 June 2026
Noun
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Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi appeared to acknowledge Iran's responsibility for the helicopter attack in a statement posted on social media.—
Joey Garrison,
USA Today,
10 June 2026
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The Security Service of Ukraine later claimed responsibility for the assassination.—
David Brennan,
ABC News,
9 June 2026
Noun
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Deron Martez Crawford, 34, pleaded no contest on May 6 to one count of misconduct in office.—
DeJanay Booth-Singleton,
CBS News,
11 June 2026
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Combs’ team did not respond to CNN’s request for comment regarding the DA’s office review of the case against Combs in Los Angeles.—
Elizabeth Wagmeister,
CNN Money,
11 June 2026
Noun
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The fee adjustment captured the attention of many farmers about the underlying need for reform.—
Allen Best,
Denver Post,
14 June 2026
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The European Commission added that the latest developments underline Europe’s need for technological sovereignty.—
Maggie Eastland,
Los Angeles Times,
14 June 2026
Noun
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Essayli’s public callouts and promises are highly unusual and in direct conflict with Justice Department guidance on ballot fraud investigations at the federal level, which states federal prosecutors should not publicly pursue such claims amid vote counting.—
Kevin Rector,
Los Angeles Times,
13 June 2026
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Calls to defend democracy promise to alienate anyone who feels that democratic institutions have somehow failed them.—
Scott Warren,
The Atlantic,
13 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Incumbency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incumbency. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.
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