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
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
Sonko’s vocal resistance to the current government and to French intervention in Senegal, as well as his attention to Senegal’s large youth population, garnered support from those frustrated with the incumbency.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for incumbency
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
Sonko’s vocal resistance to the current government and to French intervention in Senegal, as well as his attention to Senegal’s large youth population, garnered support from those frustrated with the incumbency.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for incumbency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incumbency
Noun
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This year, Davis began the process of shifting some sidewalk repair obligations onto adjacent property owners to address a repaving backlog and citywide budget deficit.—
Daniel Lempres,
Sacbee.com,
29 May 2026
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Gomez also criticized the public notice that warned broadcasters about their public interest obligations.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
The government has also raised duties to curb demand for gold, a move aimed at conserving foreign exchange reserves.—
Priyanka Salve,
CNBC,
5 June 2026
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In a 3-2 loss, Ohtani, who didn’t start after two-way duties the day before, remained in the dugout.—
Maddie Lee,
Los Angeles Times,
5 June 2026
Noun
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People see you as sensible and ready to assume the responsibilities of the position.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
2 June 2026
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And every morning, thousands of CPS educators walk into those same buildings carrying an enormous responsibility that too often goes unrecognized.—
Susana A. Mendoza,
Chicago Tribune,
2 June 2026
Noun
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Additional charges filed against Frank Blessing, 58, of Simi Valley include assault against a police officer, vandalism over $400, and battery against a nurse or doctor, according to the Ventura County district attorney’s office.—
Seamus Bozeman
Follow,
Los Angeles Times,
4 June 2026
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My office is six milk crates with a board on top of them in the corner of my kitchen, and this lady has a whole squat rack on her second floor with its own shower?—
Brian Moylan,
Vulture,
4 June 2026
Noun
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While DeGette has focused her comments on the need for humanitarian aid, Kiros has more directly criticized Israel and questioned its legitimacy as a state.—
Elliott Wenzler,
Denver Post,
31 May 2026
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Regular blood rechecks will be necessary and will determine the need for medications, possibly for the rest of her life.—
Dr. John De Jong,
Boston Herald,
31 May 2026
Noun
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The incumbent also made his evergreen promises to fight for a Green New Deal, universal healthcare, a Trans Bill of Rights, and an ultra-wealth tax, among other things.—
Tim Dunn,
Boston Herald,
30 May 2026
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These sleek all-white sneakers are a versatile addition to your summer packing list, and their light cushioning and snug fit promise to maintain your unending comfort throughout travel days and beyond.—
Merrell Readman,
Travel + Leisure,
30 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Incumbency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incumbency. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.
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