as in officeholder
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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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of incumbent
Dominic Patten, Deadline, 1 May 2026
In District 4, which ranges from Paradise Hills to Rolando Park in southeastern San Diego, incumbent Henry Foster III faces what’s seen as a surprisingly strong challenge from Martha Abraham.
—U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 May 2026
Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026
Harvard Business School research found that VC financing of climate-tech startups causes incumbent corporations to measurably increase their own investment in climate solutions — measured across capital expenditures, R&D spending, and dividend reallocation.
—Anis Uzzaman, Fortune, 6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for incumbent
Noun
If neither Bass nor Raman garners more that 50% of the vote, as occurred in the now incumbent’s battle with developer Rick Caruso in 2022, then the election goes to a runoff on November 3, the same day as the potentially seismic midterms.
—Dominic Patten, Deadline, 1 May 2026
In District 4, which ranges from Paradise Hills to Rolando Park in southeastern San Diego, incumbent Henry Foster III faces what’s seen as a surprisingly strong challenge from Martha Abraham.
—U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 May 2026
Adjective
As the incumbent mayor, Bass had to weather blows from her challengers while trying to sell voters on her fitness for another term, despite a disastrous 2025.
—Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026
Harvard Business School research found that VC financing of climate-tech startups causes incumbent corporations to measurably increase their own investment in climate solutions — measured across capital expenditures, R&D spending, and dividend reallocation.
—Anis Uzzaman, Fortune, 6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for incumbent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incumbent
Noun
-
Republican officeholders and hopefuls are still more likely to fret about the president in private than criticize him in public.—
Susan Page,
USA Today,
6 May 2026
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Texas colleges and universities have lined up notable speakers for their graduating classes this month — including athletes, authors, public officeholders and industry leaders.—
Samantha Ketterer,
Houston Chronicle,
3 May 2026
Adjective
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Not only is Irish the Republic’s first official language, and compulsory from primary through to secondary school, it is required for entry into the civil service, and it is supported by its own radio station (Raidió na Gaeltachta) and TV station (TG4), and a range of promotional bodies.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
4 May 2026
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The plan leaves the door open for limited compulsory recruitment if not enough people volunteer.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Jackeline Madrid suffered a fracture and required stitches.—
Amelia Mugavero,
CBS News,
28 Apr. 2026
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Bark’s new Companion Concierge will help arrange international paperwork and required vaccinations.—
Beth Landman,
HollywoodReporter,
28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Key measures include mandatory identification verification for recording, witness address requirements and free property fraud alert services from county clerks.—
Lew Sichelman,
Miami Herald,
7 May 2026
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Fort Mill joined Clover in announcing mandatory restrictions after the Catawba-Wateree Drought Management Advisory Group upgraded the region to Stage 2.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
7 May 2026
Adjective
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Manager Dave Roberts continues to marvel at the veteran of 17 seasons who is willing to make whatever change is necessary to remain a productive hitter.—
Doug Padilla,
Oc Register,
9 May 2026
-
On balance, confronting Iran’s nuclear ambitions was necessary.—
Lucas Robinson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Incumbent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incumbent. Accessed 9 May. 2026.
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