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 The president asserted executive privilege to keep the recording of their conversation confidential. —

Bart Jansen, USA TODAY, 14 June 2024 He also was ordered to appear before the grand jury investigating Trump, after courts rejected claims of executive privilege. —

Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 3 Oct. 2024 In May, after Garland recommended it, Biden asserted executive privilege over the recordings. —

Mike Levine, ABC News, 10 July 2024 Holder balked at a subpoena for documents for which the Obama White House had exerted executive privilege. —

Ron Elving, NPR, 15 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for executive privilege

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'executive privilege.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 5 Nov. 2024.

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