Incumbent

Quick meaning: Incumbent is an adjective meaning Chiefly followed by on or upon: leaning, or lying, reclining, or resting, on something else.

Meaning

Chiefly followed by on or upon: leaning, or lying, reclining, or resting, on something else.

More Meanings

1. Being the current holder of an office or a title; specifically (Christianity, obsolete), of an ecclesiastical benefice.
2. Oppressive, pressuring.
3. Followed by on or upon: imposed on one as an obligation, especially due to one's office or position.
4. Hanging or leaning over.
5. Putting much effort into an activity or some work.
6. Weighing on one's mind.
7. The current holder of an office or title; (specifically, Christianity) the holder of an ecclesiastical benefice.

Example Sentences

If the incumbent senator dies, he is replaced by a person appointed by the governor.

Then with expanded wings he ſtears his flight / Aloft, incumbent on the dusky Air / That felt unuſual weight, […]

And, rising from his incumbent posture, he sought to force the end of the weed [a cigar] between the teeth of the dog.

Here, as ’tis ſaid, the Rebel Giants lye, / And vvhen to move th’incumbent Load they try, / Aſcending Vapours on the Day prevail, / The Sun looks ſickly, and the Skie grovv pale.

Word Forms

• incumbents

Synonyms for incumbent

Depending on context, synonyms include superjacent, officeholder, current.

Antonyms for incumbent

Common opposites include nonincumbent.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include officeholder, superjacent, current, incumbency, appointee, acting.

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