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 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 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 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
  • The diplomatic move has been under consideration since June 2025, when the IAEA board found Iran officially in noncompliance with its nonproliferation obligations because of Tehran's lack of cooperation in the investigation.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Several other states have reported Hardee’s closures over the past few months amid ARC Burger, one of its largest franchisees, allegedly failing to pay its contractual obligations to the corporation.
    — Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of obligation
Noun
  • Malzahn recorded an overall record of 68-35 in his eight seasons leading the Tigers, before being relieved of his duties following the 2020 season.
    — Michael Harley, Arkansas Online, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Tariffs on cement, road salt and hospital pads were removed and replaced with duties on all-terrain vehicles, some cheeses and motorboats.
    — Steve Kopack, NBC news, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of duty
Noun
  • Part of the commission’s responsibility is to preserve the historic sight lines of national landmarks.
    — Antonia Hitchens, New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2026
  • The jury can also convict Clancy of lesser charges — second-degree murder or manslaughter — or deem her not guilty due to lack of criminal responsibility.
    — Rebecca Cohen, NBC news, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of responsibility
Noun
  • Police in February investigated Peter Mandelson, a former British ambassador to the United States, on suspicion of misconduct in public office related to Epstein.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Sep. 2026
  • The Wisconsin Elections Commission referred two complaints to the Brown County district attorney's office, paving the way for prosecutors to decide if Musk should be charged.
    — Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of office
Noun
  • At each turn, a heartbreaking picture comes into sharper focus, underscoring Ricki’s destructive appetite that exploits Rita’s deepest needs and fears under the guise of friendship and no-judgement sisterhood.
    — Tomris Laffly, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026
  • The tragedy immediately cast doubt on the need for light-hearted reality shows, much less one built around international travel.
    — Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of need
Noun
  • Socialists are counting on the promise of a society where all needs are met by a benevolent government to convert voters to their ranks.
    — Nolan Finley The Detroit News, Arkansas Online, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Footwear has taken off and now carries equal weight, while eyewear shows strong promise.
    — Miles Socha, Footwear News, 9 Sep. 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 12 Sep. 2026.

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