executive privilege

noun

: exemption from legally enforced disclosure of communications within the executive branch of government when such disclosure would adversely affect the functions and decision-making processes of the executive branch

Examples of executive privilege in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
His reentry into government could reignite partisan clashes over executive privilege and accountability for former officials. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024 In the case of Trump, the company said the nondisclosure order deprived him of the opportunity to assert executive privilege over the material before it was provided to the special counsel. Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 7 Oct. 2024 Prosecutors had to spend months secretly litigating executive privilege claims by Trump and his aides — and the Supreme Court added to the delay by not ordering speedy argument in Trump's immunity case and waiting until last July to hand down its decision. Carrie Johnson, NPR, 14 Jan. 2025 Richard Nixon invoked executive privilege and ordered secret bombings in Cambodia, steps that largely bypassed congressional oversight. Victor Menaldo, The Conversation, 16 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for executive privilege 

Word History

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of executive privilege was in 1909

Dictionary Entries Near executive privilege

Cite this Entry

“Executive privilege.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/executive%20privilege. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

Legal Definition

executive privilege

see privilege sense 1b

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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