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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

The second-place candidate will go head-to-head in November with incumbent Bass, a Democratic former congresswoman first elected to lead the second-largest US city in 2022, who has come under fire during her time in office.

From Barron's • 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

For her, election night marked a “victory with an asterisk,” Sadhwani said, noting that Bass is first incumbent L.A. mayor in more than two decades to face a runoff.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 7, 2026

Twice champion of the USSR, he’d won the 1958 Portorož Interzonal, becoming a front runner to play the incumbent titleholder, Mikhail Botvinnik, for the World Championship in 1960.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady




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