hot button
noun
: an emotional and usually controversial issue or concern that triggers immediate intense reaction
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
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
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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
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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