incumbent 1 of 2

noun

Definition of incumbentnext
as in officeholder

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incumbent

2 of 2

adjective

in-ˈkəm-bənt How to pronounce incumbent (audio)
as in compulsory
forcing one's compliance or participation by or as if by law it is incumbent upon you to attend every staff meeting

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 incumbent
Noun
But Republican incumbent Susan Collins is an unusually formidable foe. — Eric Levitz, Vox, 15 Oct. 2026 But in western North Carolina, an open congressional seat became a toss-up after the Republican incumbent withdrew from the race. — Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2026
Adjective
For a second time, Republican David Dewar is challenging incumbent Mary Gill in the 35th House District, which includes all or parts of Alsip, Beverly, Mount Greenwood, Orland Park, Merrionette Park and Palos Park. — Elena Tittel, Chicago Tribune, 14 Oct. 2026 As in 2018 for Beshear, Sand has the window of opportunity to capture voters souring on the incumbent party in power. — Gabrielle M. Etzel, The Washington Examiner, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for incumbent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incumbent
  1. officeholder
  2. compulsory
  3. required
  4. mandatory
  5. necessary
Noun
  • DuVernay says her team approached nearly 300 GOP officeholders, but only a little more than a dozen engaged with them at all.
    — David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The officeholder also serves as president of the State Senate and can cast tie-breaking legislative votes.
    — Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of officeholder
Adjective
  • Although the regime has retreated from enforcing compulsory veiling, the opposition movement has continued to radicalize.
    — Mansoor Moaddel, Foreign Affairs, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Reczek and Bosley-Smith read the return partly as evidence of compulsory kinship’s durability, and the evidence supports them.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of compulsory
Adjective
  • An agent that gathers records or checks for required information may operate with limited intervention.
    — Heather Bassett, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Balderaz was also stabbed in the arm during a struggle and required stitches at the hospital, officials said.
    — Richard Ramos, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of required
Adjective
  • In Southern California, the city of Long Beach has issued a mandatory evacuation order for some homes through Tuesday.
    — Erika Angulo, NBC news, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Long Beach issued a mandatory evacuation order for residents of Seaside Walk between 64th and 66th Place.
    — Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of mandatory
Adjective
  • Expect Raman, whom City Hall opponents have long trashed as conflict-averse, to focus on a message of possibility and positivity while holding her ground and striking back — and hard — when necessary.
    — Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Officials said no other evacuations were necessary and public safety employees and emergency responders remained on duty.
    — Cecilio Padilla, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of necessary

Browse Nearby Words

incumbency
incumbent
incumbents
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Cite this Entry

“Incumbent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incumbent. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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