wedge issue

Save This Word!

noun

an issue that divides or causes conflict in an otherwise unified group: Abortion is a wedge issue for the Republican Party.

QUIZ

WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?

Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!

Question 1 of 7

Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.

who

whom

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of wedge issue

First recorded in 1990–95

Words nearby wedge issue

wedel, wedeln, wedge, wedged, wedge heel, wedge issue, wedge-tailed eagle, wedge tomb, wedgie, Wedgwood, Wedgwood blue

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use wedge issue in a sentence

It’s possible crime emerges as a wedge issue in the 2022 midterms.
Americans Are Worried About Crime, But That Doesn’t Mean They’re Blaming Democrats|Nathaniel Rakich (nathaniel.rakich@fivethirtyeight.com)|June 25, 2021|FiveThirtyEight
Once a deeply divisive wedge issue that Republicans used to their political advantage, same-sex marriage has now reached an all-time high level of support among all Americans.
What Americans Think About D.C. Statehood, Anti-Asian Discrimination And LGBTQ Rights|Geoffrey Skelley (geoffrey.skelley@abc.com)|March 26, 2021|FiveThirtyEight
But the tide was turning on this issue, an email from another constituent made clear.
Jeb Bush’s Unseen Anti-Gay Marriage Emails|Jackie Kucinich|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Like many Americans—but few Republican presidential candidates—the former Florida governor has evolved on the issue.
Jeb Bush’s Unseen Anti-Gay Marriage Emails|Jackie Kucinich|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST

The most recent issue contains detailed instructions for building car bombs, and the magazine frequently draws up hit-lists.
U.S. Spies See Al Qaeda Fingerprints on Paris Massacre|Shane Harris, Nancy A. Youssef|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
“They are hypocritical on this very issue,” Shearer said about Obama, Attorney General Eric Holder and other public officials.
Harry Shearer on The Dangerous Business of Satire|Lloyd Grove|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
In this cockamamie get-rich scheme, would they all issue an apology if he cut a check?
Phylicia Rashad and the Cult of Cosby Truthers|Stereo Williams|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
The place was well defended by earthworks and natural parapets, and for several hours the issue of the contest was doubtful.
The Philippine Islands|John Foreman
In one sense, then, the new issue has adequate expansibility for ordinary needs.
Readings in Money and Banking|Chester Arthur Phillips
Accordingly, the question "How far does the note issue under the new system seem likely to prove an elastic one?"
Readings in Money and Banking|Chester Arthur Phillips
From that region they issue to inflict diseases, especially blindness and deafness.
Solomon and Solomonic Literature|Moncure Daniel Conway
That—and no existing institution and no current issue—is the primary concern of the present age.
The Salvaging Of Civilisation|H. G. (Herbert George) Wells

British Dictionary definitions for wedge issue

wedge issue

noun

an issue that is likely to cause division between the members of a group

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012