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Definitions

incumbent on

ADJECTIVE
binding
Synonyms
STRONGEST
conclusive irrevocable mandatory required
STRONG
essential imperative requisite
WEAK
bounden compulsory counted upon indissoluble obligatory unalterable
Antonyms
STRONGEST
optional
STRONG
inessential secondary
WEAK
alterable breakable revocable unbinding unconfining unnecessary
ADJECTIVE
dutiful
Synonyms
STRONGEST
conscientious
WEAK
binding compliant deferential devoted docile duteous faithful obligatory punctilious regardful respectful reverential submissive
Antonyms
WEAK
betraying disobedient faithless irresponsible undutiful unfaithful unrespectful
ADJECTIVE
necessary
Synonyms
STRONGEST
basic crucial decisive essential fundamental imperative indispensable mandatory needed paramount required significant unavoidable urgent vital
STRONG
binding cardinal chief expedient prerequisite pressing prime principal requisite
WEAK
all-important bottom-line compelling compulsory de rigueur elementary exigent momentous must-have name of game needful obligatory quintessential specified wanted
Antonyms
STRONGEST
additional extra inessential minor nonessential optional secondary trivial unimportant unnecessary voluntary
STRONG
insignificant
WEAK
contingent needless useless

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“It is incumbent on Congress to understand why such a failure occurred.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 17, 2025

“It’s incumbent on every single one of us to put our best foot forward,” he said.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 20, 2025

Rayner said it was "incumbent on the government to acknowledge the real concerns people have and to deliver improvements to people's lives and their communities," the readout said.

From BBC • Jul. 22, 2025

It is incumbent on reporters to be responsible, and clear about what we don't know, so as not to cause unnecessary alarm.

From BBC • Mar. 17, 2025

He would have felt it incumbent on him to supply his granddaughter with clothes if she were indecently clad or if she were ragged or cold, but not to marry in.

From "Absalom, Absalom!" by William Faulkner