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.
President Trump’s White House has waived executive privilege, a right that protects many communications between the president and staff from Congress and the courts, for almost all of those senior staffers. Matt Brown, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2025 The second witness, Anthony Bernal, refused to appear before the committee to testify in its investigation after the White House said the witnesses were not protected by executive privilege, per a letter sent Tuesday. Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 27 June 2025 Musk is clearly no longer a loyalist to Trump, who could still avail himself of claims of executive privilege and block Musk’s cooperation with the Hill Democrats. Philip Elliott, Time, 6 June 2025 The Biden administration resisted releasing the audio recording itself, by Biden invoking executive privilege. Katherine Faulders, ABC News, 16 May 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 29 Jul. 2025.

Legal Definition

executive privilege

see privilege sense 1b

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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