Synonyms for

Incumbent

Verb / ˌɪˈnkʌmbʌnt / Another word for incumbent — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

necessary for (someone) as a duty or responsibility

Synonyms & similar words

officeholder mandatory necessary required obligatory compulsory binding imperative essential vital crucial requisite needed presiding occupying holding present sitting ruling

Synonyms by register

Formal

obligatory required compulsory mandatory

Informal

on the hook supposed to has to

Literary

bounden due

Antonyms

unnecessary optional unrequired nonessential discretionary unobligatory

Common collocations

  • incumbent upon
  • incumbent on
  • the incumbent president
  • incumbent government
  • incumbent official
  • incumbent upon them
  • incumbent upon us

Word family

noun incumbency
adjective incumbent

Usage note

Often used in the phrase 'incumbent upon' or 'incumbent on' to mean that something is a duty or responsibility. Can also refer to someone currently holding an office.

Example sentences

  1. The incumbent mayor is running for re-election.
  2. It is incumbent upon us to take care of the environment.
  3. The incumbent teacher is retiring after 30 years of service.
  4. It is incumbent on you to follow the rules.
  5. The incumbent senator is a strong advocate for education funding.

Quotes

  • It is incumbent on every generation to pay its own debts as it goes.
  • It is incumbent upon each of us to improve spending and savings habits to avoid becoming a statistic.
  • It is incumbent upon us to live up to our ideals, otherwise what's the point?

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