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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of incumbent
Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 18 Mar. 2026
In the race for city controller, incumbent Kenneth Mejia will battle it out against Zach Sokoloff, who is on sabbatical from his job as senior vice president of asset management at Hackman Capital Partners.
—Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2026
Mike Kaye
updated March 16, Charlotte Observer, 16 Mar. 2026
In each case, skeptics used the scientific method to produce data that disproved the incumbent theory.
—Noubar Afeyan, Time, 9 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for incumbent
Noun
Races for the Senate, House of Representatives and Governor were highlighted by an opportunity to replace longtime incumbent Senator Dick Durbin, a liberal stalwart who is retiring since first being elected in 1996.
—Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 18 Mar. 2026
In the race for city controller, incumbent Kenneth Mejia will battle it out against Zach Sokoloff, who is on sabbatical from his job as senior vice president of asset management at Hackman Capital Partners.
—Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2026
Adjective
The Panthers’ incumbent specialist trio will return in its entirety for 2026.
—Mike Kaye
updated March 16, Charlotte Observer, 16 Mar. 2026
In each case, skeptics used the scientific method to produce data that disproved the incumbent theory.
—Noubar Afeyan, Time, 9 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for incumbent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incumbent
Noun
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Eight of California’s state Senate seats whose officeholders represent Los Angeles County residents will be on the ballot this year.—
Linh Tat,
Daily News,
18 Mar. 2026
-
Some races have many candidates, while others, including several congressional races, don't even have an incumbent — which means a new officeholder is guaranteed.—
Adam Harrington,
CBS News,
17 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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But the trial judge, not the jury, will rule on any compulsory changes for Meta at the trial’s second stage in May.—
Peter Weber,
TheWeek,
25 Mar. 2026
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Fittingly, the summit’s resemblance to summer camp fostered a mood of compulsory cheer.—
Gaby Del Valle,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Of those, 182 candidates completed the required Lone Star Governance training before the pool was narrowed down.—
Lina Ruiz,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
24 Mar. 2026
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Make sure the required investment aligns with your budget and overall strategy.—
Nick Perry,
USA Today,
23 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The legislation now requires federal agencies to screen applicants for ties to countries of concern — China, Russia, Iran and North Korea — with mandatory disclosure of foreign affiliations, pre-award screening, and post-award reporting.—
Noelle Harff,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
19 Mar. 2026
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Those restrictions — last implemented in 2013 — would require mandatory reductions in outdoor water use.—
Elise Schmelzer,
Denver Post,
19 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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But in recent years, Iran has enriched uranium to 60%, beyond the levels necessary for most non-military uses.—
Jennifer Jacobs,
CBS News,
21 Mar. 2026
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According to court filings in the Eastern District of Virginia, the feds said the raid was a necessary part of an investigation into government leaks.—
BrieAnna J. Frank,
USA Today,
21 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Incumbent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incumbent. Accessed 26 Mar. 2026.
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