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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in third rail
Related Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hot-button
Pj Green,
Kansas City Star,
24 June 2026
At the end of the panel, Rose brought up AI, which has quickly become one of the industry’s most controversial and hot-button issues.
—
Matt Minton,
Variety,
20 June 2026
Jennifer McRae,
CBS News,
17 Mar. 2026
The issue of private equity investment in health care facilities has been a hot button topic in Connecticut recently.
—
Jenna Carlesso,
Hartford Courant,
28 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hot-button
Adjective
On the pitch, weather (in the form of heat/humidity and rain) has become one of several hot-button topics of the tournament.
—
Pj Green,
Kansas City Star,
24 June 2026
At the end of the panel, Rose brought up AI, which has quickly become one of the industry’s most controversial and hot-button issues.
—
Matt Minton,
Variety,
20 June 2026
Noun
This contemporary, topical story touches on many current hot button issues while delighting audiences with memorable songs and explosive dances.
—
Jennifer McRae,
CBS News,
17 Mar. 2026
The issue of private equity investment in health care facilities has been a hot button topic in Connecticut recently.
—
Jenna Carlesso,
Hartford Courant,
28 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hot-button
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hot-button
Adjective
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These groups tackle politically contentious issues like immigration, human rights, and the environment.
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However, the bill was so contentious that in order to squeak it through, legislators stuffed it full of carve-outs and exemptions, allowing cities to delay implementation by passing their own plans to add density.
Noun
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EMUs are faster and can often carry more people, but require overhead catenary lines or a third rail, while the battery electric locomotives can be used on non-electrified track by charging their batteries, reducing the infrastructure investment.
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That train also hit debris — potentially a loose section of the third rail, sources told The News.
Adjective
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In a controversial move, the Department of Education last year decided that certain healthcare studies – such as nursing, physician assistants and physical therapy – were not considered professional programs.
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One of the most controversial things to happen in sports over the last five to seven years or so is the introduction of jersey ads.
Cite this Entry
“Hot-button.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hot-button. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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