take at face value

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The main problem with “A League of His Own” is Mr. Stein’s willingness to take at face value Spalding’s claims in his 1911 book, “America’s National Game,” which systematically inflates Spalding’s role in events.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

We have to worry about whether videos are trustworthy, something that we used to take at face value.

From Salon • Apr. 2, 2024

"I think we can't entirely take at face value the bookies' odds as a predictor or a forecast of this election outcome," Foord says.

From BBC • Jun. 18, 2022

Here in the narcissism capital, Mr. Lin’s sweetness and sunshine can be hard to take at face value.

From New York Times • Dec. 18, 2019

Claiming that his physical distance from you is a result of his job and nothing to do with his own preferences and priorities is a cop-out, and one that you shouldn’t take at face value.

From Slate • May 10, 2018