as in officeholder
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Examples of incumbent in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Taylor Seely, The Arizona Republic, 13 Aug. 2024
Ryan Clancy, the district’s incumbent who ran unopposed in 2022, has become outspoken in his support for progressive causes and Palestinians during the Israel-Hamas war.
—Jolan Kruse, Journal Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2024
Jack Birle, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 8 Aug. 2024
In the Republican primary for Oakland County treasurer, three candidates sought the chance to take on incumbent Democrat Robert Wittenberg.
—Bill Laytner, Detroit Free Press, 7 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for incumbent 
Noun
The controversies typically favor incumbents who have the upper hand of experience and familiarity with the rules.
—Taylor Seely, The Arizona Republic, 13 Aug. 2024
Ryan Clancy, the district’s incumbent who ran unopposed in 2022, has become outspoken in his support for progressive causes and Palestinians during the Israel-Hamas war.
—Jolan Kruse, Journal Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2024
Adjective
The Montana Democrat is one of several incumbent Senate Democrats attempting to keep their seats while seeking reelection in a swing state or heavily Republican state.
—Jack Birle, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 8 Aug. 2024
In the Republican primary for Oakland County treasurer, three candidates sought the chance to take on incumbent Democrat Robert Wittenberg.
—Bill Laytner, Detroit Free Press, 7 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for incumbent
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'incumbent.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Incumbent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incumbent. Accessed 9 Sep. 2024.
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