hot button

noun

Synonyms of hot buttonnext
: an emotional and usually controversial issue or concern that triggers immediate intense reaction
hot-button adjective

Examples of hot button in a Sentence

The film is considered very controversial for all the hot buttons it pushes.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 Missing from the speech were several hot button issues that have consumed his administration’s HHS over the last few months, including shifting vaccine mandates and major cuts to health and science funding. Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 25 Feb. 2026 Healthcare has become even more of a hot button. Cbs News Atlanta Staff, CBS News, 22 Feb. 2026 The looming outfield production is still a hot button topic. Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 7 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hot button

Word History

First Known Use

1966, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hot button was in 1966

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hot button.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hot%20button. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.

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