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.
The Legal Information Institute defines executive privilege as the authority claimed by the president and other executive branch officials to withhold certain confidential communications from disclosure to the judicial or legislative branches. Robert Birsel, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2025 The Supreme Court rejected Nixon’s claims of executive privilege and forced the release of the infamous Oval Office tapes. Susan Chira, Foreign Affairs, 2 Dec. 2025 Any materials related to ongoing investigations or White House claims of executive privilege will likely remain out of public view. Allison Pecorin, ABC News, 19 Nov. 2025 Trump waived executive privilege earlier this year for all of the former aides in the investigation. Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 9 Sep. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Executive privilege.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/executive%20privilege. Accessed 11 Dec. 2025.

Legal Definition

executive privilege

see privilege sense 1b

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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