incumbency

noun

in-ˈkəm-bən(t)-sē How to pronounce incumbency (audio)
Definition of incumbencynext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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 That removes the incumbency advantage the GOP has seen in the district. — Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 July 2026 How much weight does incumbency carry? — Philip Elliott, Time, 10 June 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for incumbency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incumbency
  1. obligation
  2. duty
  3. responsibility
  4. office
  5. need
  6. promise
Noun
  • Given that the United States keeps getting mired in errant conflicts, Congress urgently needs to reassert its constitutional obligation to approve acts of war and oversee retrenchment.
    — Charles Kupchan, Foreign Affairs, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Council members discussed how to balance the nonprofit’s need for a long-term agreement to attract donors with the city’s need to ensure the building remains in use and the organization fulfills its obligations.
    — Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of obligation
Noun
  • Those allegations include neglect of duty and violations of the department's code of conduct.
    — Derek James, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026
  • The university said Elizabeth Hall, associate vice chancellor for university compliance, was appointed to serve in both roles in addition to her existing duties.
    — Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of duty
Noun
  • Rushing went through a learning curve juggling his defensive and offensive responsibilities, and navigating intense online scrutiny of his outbursts on the field and in the dugout.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Enroll your baby before the clock runs out Ensuring your newborn has health coverage is one of the first paperwork responsibilities that parents face in the whirlwind of bringing a baby home.
    — Stephanie O'Neill, NPR, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of responsibility
Noun
  • The first practical transformer was switched on about 15 miles down the road, in 1886, when William Stanley lit stores and offices lining Great Barrington’s Main Street.
    — Alex Pasternack, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
  • To further explore how CMOs and CFOs are collaborating to drive growth, register to join Fortune’s Creativity Meets Capital Breakfast on Thursday 26 November, 9am–12pm, at LinkedIn’s London office.
    — Sam Birchall, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of office
Noun
  • Start with the community With a pragmatic and fair approach, data center infrastructure can operate from a combination of baseload fuels, battery storage, and renewables, while prioritizing community needs and impacts.
    — Neil Chatterjee, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Rather than as a one-time session, our survivorship clinic builds relationships with survivors, supporting them as their needs change over time.
    — Marci Lee Nilsen, The Conversation, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of need
Noun
  • Publicly, Pacific Fusion talks mostly about its future ability to supply electricity, a promise the fusion industry has made for years.
    — Sarah Scoles, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Since then, Netanyahu has been criticized by opponents for failing to deliver on his promise of restoring regional security.
    — Chad de Guzman, Time, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of promise

Browse Nearby Words

incumbencies
incumbency
incumbent
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Cite this Entry

“Incumbency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incumbency. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

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