take issue

idiomatic phrase

: to adopt or express an opposed or contrary view or position : disagree
Though a barbecuing Southerner may take issue, Texas-style and Korean barbecue have much in common.Anito Lo
usually used with with
She took issue with the conclusions reached by the study.
Carolyn Nichols, an editor at Bantam, took issue with the notion that romance fiction is escapist.Charles Trueheart
Despite the proliferation of all means of communications, from magazines to computers, books remain our chief medium for the full expression of ideas, and for taking issue with those of others.Robert R. Harris

Examples of take issue 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.
In the first dispute, Stenson Tamaddon took issue with the IRS’ moratorium on processing ERC claims that were submitted on or after September 14, 2023. Matthew Roberts, Forbes, 12 Jan. 2025 Some Democrats took issue with his cheery assessment of his administration’s record. James Barron, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2025 Further, TikTok says the government made the ban about content when lawmakers publicly took issue with pro-Palestine TikToks or harms to children. Maria Curi, Axios, 7 Jan. 2025 His stand against one of the world’s most beloved festivals—which last year donated some $6.4 million to charities, The Guardian notes—is the latest in a series of objections to the music industry at large, notably taking issue with Spotify and Ticketmaster. Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 2 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for take issue 

Word History

First Known Use

1623, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of take issue was in 1623

Dictionary Entries Near take issue

Cite this Entry

“Take issue.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/take%20issue. Accessed 19 Jan. 2025.

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