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 withAnito LoShe 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
Charles TrueheartDespite 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
Robert R. HarrisExamples of take issue in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The social media account relies on an element of public shaming that the organization takes issue with, Alderman said.
—Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 1 Aug. 2025
More recently, Trump has taken issue with India’s decision to continue buying Russian oil over the course of the Russia-Ukraine war.
—Max Zahn, ABC News, 31 July 2025
Some take issue with her lack of formal training in public health and child development; others question her overreliance on data.
—Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 31 July 2025
During the Senate’s debate Wednesday, Sen. Royce West, D-Dallas, took issue with the lottery system that wouldn’t offer more priority to students in struggling schools.
—Keri Heath, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for take issue
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.
Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 1 Aug. 2025
More recently, Trump has taken issue with India’s decision to continue buying Russian oil over the course of the Russia-Ukraine war.
—Max Zahn, ABC News, 31 July 2025
Some take issue with her lack of formal training in public health and child development; others question her overreliance on data.
—Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 31 July 2025
During the Senate’s debate Wednesday, Sen. Royce West, D-Dallas, took issue with the lottery system that wouldn’t offer more priority to students in struggling schools.
—Keri Heath, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for take issue
Cite this Entry
“Take issue.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/take%20issue. Accessed 10 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share