INCUMBENCY Synonyms: 56 Similar and Opposite Words

incumbency

noun

in-ˈkəm-bən(t)-sē

Definition of incumbency

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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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of incumbency But ultimately, the support for Rosen — through his prolific high-profile endorsements and corresponding fundraising advantage — along with the historical strength of incumbency in this countywide office, appear to have carried him to re-election. — Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 3 June 2026 Assembly District 39 Democratic state Assemblyman Juan Carrillo’s incumbency was being challenged by Republican Paul Andre Marsh, a community services liaison. — Ryan Carter, Daily News, 3 June 2026 But Maine and Alaska are these outlying states, very different than the rest of the map, based off of media market, based off of incumbency and the particulars of the states. — ABC News, 31 May 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for incumbency

Recent Examples of Synonyms for incumbency

Noun

When serious concerns involving district operations and oversight are raised, the Board has an obligation to investigate them thoroughly, carefully consider the findings and act in the best long-term interest of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.

— Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 12 Aug. 2026
The Times reported that the original deals for the top creatives included zero obligations for a sequel.

— Matt Donnelly, Variety, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of obligation

Noun

Local manufacturing could eventually lower vehicle prices by avoiding import duties while stimulating investment in charging infrastructure, component manufacturing and battery production.

— ABC News, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026
Whether winning us over with her glamorous red carpet-ready style or inspiring us with chic off-duty outfits, Gerber has developed a distinct point of view that is truly noteworthy.

— Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of duty

Noun

Payton has talked routinely in camp about Coleman being further along than other first-year backs in his ability to grasp pass-protection responsibilities.

— Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
Wilson Tamfuh, a public and international law professor at the University of Dschang in West Cameroon, said the country has institutions that can keep the government running when the president delegates responsibilities.

— Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of responsibility

Noun

Securing those additions, though, is secondary to the more pressing need to build and develop a strong starting XI, an area in which Carrick has made significant progress.

— Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026
Although the agreement is for all of the more than 3 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of gas in Cronos to go to Europe, there’s a clause in the deal so that about a fifth of that amount could be used to cover some of Egypt’s domestic energy needs.

— ABC News, ABC News, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of need

Noun

Benjamin Netanyahu’s position is an enormous headache, and how is Don the Con going to explain the default on his promises to Miriam Adelson and his other Israeli and Israel lobby funders?

— Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 13 Aug. 2026
If promises of stable electric bills and technology to reduce water usage face mass public skepticism, tech companies have only themselves to blame.

— Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of promise

Browse Nearby Words

incumbencies

incumbency

incumbent

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“Incumbency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incumbency. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of incumbency

noun

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