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.

Richard Nixon invoked executive privilege and ordered secret bombings in Cambodia, steps that largely bypassed congressional oversight. —

Victor Menaldo, The Conversation, 16 Jan. 2025 Smith outlined legal tussles over executive privilege, the Supreme Court’s July ruling on presidential immunity, and Trump’s scare tactics. —

Eric Cortellessa, TIME, 14 Jan. 2025 They stiff-arm congressional subpoenas or demands for information with spurious claims of state secrets, executive privilege or unwritten tradition. —

Bruce Fein, Baltimore Sun, 9 Jan. 2025 Legal experts suggest this case underscores the difficulties in balancing transparency with executive privilege. —

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024 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

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Executive privilege.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/executive%20privilege. Accessed 28 Jan. 2025.

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