hot button

noun

: 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.
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 And Chilling Take On Orwell’s Classic Novella – Annecy Animation Festival AI and generative AI is a hot button topic at Annecy this year. Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 12 June 2025 Several hot button political issues are likely to drive the debate over spending as the spring legislative session goes on. Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 18 Feb. 2025 The region has been a hot button political issue in both countries. Evan Clark, WWD, 16 Jan. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Hot button.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hot%20button. Accessed 27 Jul. 2025.

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