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
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Recent Examples of incumbency
Posing an additional challenge is Thompson's incumbency advantage.
—
ABC News, 10 Mar. 2026
For now, Burgat said the early primaries should not be mistaken for a collapse of incumbency but rather a reminder that even strong political advantages can erode when voter frustration meets a credible challenger.
—Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 4 Mar. 2026
Anyone and everyone with a desire to be chosen to serve as senator (which comes with a huge, unearned incumbency advantage in the next election cycle) will feel pressure to play along.
—Kent Thiry, Denver Post, 23 Feb. 2026
Term limits used to be a hot issue as a means to solve the problems that accompany incumbency.
—Arkansas Online, 17 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for incumbency
ABC News, 10 Mar. 2026
For now, Burgat said the early primaries should not be mistaken for a collapse of incumbency but rather a reminder that even strong political advantages can erode when voter frustration meets a credible challenger.
—Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 4 Mar. 2026
Anyone and everyone with a desire to be chosen to serve as senator (which comes with a huge, unearned incumbency advantage in the next election cycle) will feel pressure to play along.
—Kent Thiry, Denver Post, 23 Feb. 2026
Term limits used to be a hot issue as a means to solve the problems that accompany incumbency.
—Arkansas Online, 17 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for incumbency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incumbency
Noun
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As part of a two-question ballot measure, the Hickman Mills School District is asking voters to approve a general obligation bond to pay down the district’s debt.—
Eleanor Nash,
Kansas City Star,
4 Apr. 2026
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These agreements are essentially rental leases that include an option (or, in some cases, an obligation) to eventually buy the property after living in it for a period of time.—
Becca Stanek,
TheWeek,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Two people, including an off-duty police officer, were injured in a small plane crash in Northeast Philadelphia on Wednesday, sources said.—
Kerri Corrado,
CBS News,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Until then, assistant coaches Bridgett Melton and Tori Banda will share coaching duties.—
Greg Riddle,
Dallas Morning News,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
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All federal, state and/or local income and other taxes, if any, are the winner’s sole responsibility.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Greene says that responsibility belongs to local police departments.—
Ubah Ali,
CBS News,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Shah Alam was released on bail this month after agreeing to a plea deal, according to the district attorney's office.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2026
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Having legal documents on hand, at a lawyer’s office or in a file cabinet not only provides peace of mind, but can prevent conflict and legal fees when tragedy or challenges arise.—
Carol Marbin Miller,
Miami Herald,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Channel 24 answered a need identified by a city study on the local music economy back in 2023.—
Madisen Keavy,
CBS News,
5 Apr. 2026
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The need in the north Overland Park operates one indoor pool, three outdoor pools and five water play areas to serve its population, according to the master plan draft.—
Taylor O'Connor,
Kansas City Star,
5 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Share the load with kindness, and keep promises realistic so trust feels strong.—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Apr. 2026
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These plans offered additional security measures and the promise of not training Grok on users’ interactions with the tool.—
Will McCurdy,
PC Magazine,
5 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Incumbency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incumbency. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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