as in contentious
relating to or causing the expression of opposing opinions
the new plan raises a number of hot-button issues that are sure to get voters riled up
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in third rail
Related Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hot button
Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 21 July 2025
Stances on hot button topics, such as the ICE raids, didn't seem to move the needle for the more progressive or antiestablishment candidates, including Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop, however.
—Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 12 June 2025
Glenn Garner, Deadline, 18 Sep. 2025
Royal events typically shy away from engaging in partisan issues as the family avoids public comment and remains neutral on hot-button issues — a practice Trump has occasionally broken.
—Caitlin McFall, FOXNews.com, 17 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hot button
Adjective
The panel previously decided against pushing for open primaries — a hot button issue that had advocates from all ends of the political spectrum up in arms.
—Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 21 July 2025
Stances on hot button topics, such as the ICE raids, didn't seem to move the needle for the more progressive or antiestablishment candidates, including Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop, however.
—Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 12 June 2025
Noun
As free speech becomes a hot-button issue in the wake of Charlie Kirk‘s assassination, one of his colleagues and close friends is speaking up for his interests.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 18 Sep. 2025
Royal events typically shy away from engaging in partisan issues as the family avoids public comment and remains neutral on hot-button issues — a practice Trump has occasionally broken.
—Caitlin McFall, FOXNews.com, 17 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hot button
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hot button
Adjective
-
Biglari’s proxy battles stand as one of the longest and most contentious activist campaigns in restaurant industry history.—
Lily Mae Lazarus,
Fortune,
18 Sep. 2025
-
However, his second run with the company came to an abrupt and reportedly contentious end just last week, as he was fired for what has been described as disciplinary reasons.—
Andrew Ravens,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Three of every 10 Chicago schools sit at least half-empty, and closing or merging them remains a political third rail.—
Mila Koumpilova,
ProPublica,
9 Sep. 2025
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The conflict in Gaza is an obvious third rail in Hollywood right now.—
Zak Cheney-Rice,
Vulture,
28 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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As a public institution, UVU upholds First Amendment rights and fosters an environment where ideas – popular or controversial – can be exchanged freely, energetically, and civilly.—
Bill Hutchinson,
ABC News,
15 Sep. 2025
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Despite her controversial inclusion at the event, Melnikova’s performances were met with robust cheers from the Parisian crowd.—
Caroline Price,
Forbes.com,
14 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hot button.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hot%20button. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.
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