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incumbent

[in-kuhm-buhnt] / ɪnˈkʌm bənt /
ADJECTIVE
obligatory
Synonyms
Antonyms


NOUN
officeholder
Synonyms
STRONGEST
STRONG


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.

He was ultimately edged out by the incumbent Karen Bass and progressive Nithya Raman, who will both advance to the general election.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

Reality star Spencer Pratt has lost the race for Los Angeles mayor, with progressive city council member Nithya Raman advancing to face incumbent Karen Bass in November, US media outlets project.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

As of this writing, the race for the second runoff spot, the one that would put Pratt on the November ballot against incumbent Karen Bass, remains genuinely uncertain.

From Salon • Jun. 6, 2026

McKinney led the incumbent by 13 percentage points for the second runoff slot.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2026

Over her nurse’s scrubs, Mrs. Montgomery is wearing a sweatshirt with the incumbent county executive's name on it.

From "A Place at the Table" by Saadia Faruqi and Laura Shovan




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