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 looming outfield production is still a hot button topic. Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 7 Feb. 2026 While LaFleur’s future is undoubtedly question No. 1 in Green Bay, the quality of his staff could quickly become a hot button topic, as well. Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 15 Jan. 2026 Natural gas bans have become a political hot button in California, with cities such as Berkeley moving to phase out the fossil fuel in favor of electrification. Los Angeles Times, 14 Jan. 2026 The use of generative AI has been a hot button issue in art and entertainment, and game development has been no exception. Frank Landymore, Futurism, 14 Jan. 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 9 Feb. 2026.

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