take issue

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

The organization also took issue with Winn questioning whether KCKPS’ employment of current board members’ spouses presented any ethical concerns. — Kansas City Star, 25 Sep. 2026

The trio of news networks was denied access to the White House complex last week and had their press badges revoked after the president took issue with their coverage of him. — Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026

Still, on the UIC quad Wednesday morning, a crowd of students stood in a half circle and took issue with the agency being invited to the school in the wake of Operation Midway Blitz and ongoing immigration enforcement action across the city. — Kate Perez, Chicago Tribune, 23 Sep. 2026

Hansen is not the first public figure to take issue with their depiction in a work that takes dramatic license. — David MacK, CNN Money, 23 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1623, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for take issue

• reissue