Synonyms of incumbency

incumbency

noun

in-ˈkəm-bən(t)-sē 

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

• obligation
• duty
• responsibility
• office
• need
• promise
• vow
• burden
• commitment
• requirement
• imperative
• constraint
• pledge
• oath
• charge
• devoir
• pact
• do
• payment
• arrangement
• contract
• compulsion
• debt
• word
• trust
• covenant
• coercion
• setup
• prearrangement
• appointment
• restraint
• compact
• must
• reservation
• force
• troth
• engagement
• tribute
• duress
• onus

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• grace
• relief
• discharge
• exemption
• stay
• waiver
• ease
• postponement
• release
• option
• preference
• alternative
• choice
• selection
• loophole
• pick

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of incumbency

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

Trump carried the state by double digits in 2020 and 2024, and Ricketts has the advantages that come with incumbency, party infrastructure and national GOP support. — Jenni Fink, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 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