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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in third rail
Related Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hot-button
Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Oct. 2025
The candidates have positioned themselves around hot-button topics including private-school vouchers, access to books, and whether signs with inclusive messages should be allowed in classrooms.
—Idaho Statesman, 29 Oct. 2025
David Weigel, semafor.com, 19 Sep. 2025
But given the enduring complexities of Israeli-Palestinian coexistence and the cultural hot button that campus protests became over the past two years, Hollywood — like much of America — is not in lockstep on how to call for peace in Gaza.
—Chris Lee, Vulture, 28 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hot-button
Adjective
Curtis and Kirk were indeed to be found on opposite ends of virtually every hot-button cultural issue on which the latter made his name as a debater and provocateur.
—Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Oct. 2025
The candidates have positioned themselves around hot-button topics including private-school vouchers, access to books, and whether signs with inclusive messages should be allowed in classrooms.
—Idaho Statesman, 29 Oct. 2025
Noun
And one of our roles is to put out a large volume of intellectually honest, unbiased polling data that will illustrate where the American people are on a range of hot button topics.
—David Weigel, semafor.com, 19 Sep. 2025
But given the enduring complexities of Israeli-Palestinian coexistence and the cultural hot button that campus protests became over the past two years, Hollywood — like much of America — is not in lockstep on how to call for peace in Gaza.
—Chris Lee, Vulture, 28 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hot-button
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hot-button
Adjective
-
The permits that both companies have received to test and operate their self-driving vehicles became a contentious issue in the lead up to the listings.—
Dylan Butts,
CNBC,
6 Nov. 2025
-
The three faced off in two contentious debates in October, in which Mamdani and Cuomo sparred over issues of integrity and experience while Sliwa sought to paint them as two sides of the same ideological coin.—
Rachel Treisman,
NPR,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
As reflected in tonight’s results, Israel is no longer the third rail in American politics—at least in the New York City area.—
Newsweek Contributors,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
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Once upon a time, maternal unhappiness seemed like the third rail of cultural discourse, something too dangerous to touch.—
Emma Specter,
Vogue,
18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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This loss had to be especially tough for the Jayhawks, considering a controversial holding call on KU changed the momentum of the game.—
Gary Bedore,
Kansas City Star,
9 Nov. 2025
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Watson’s combination of scientific achievement and controversial remarks created a complicated legacy.—
Orianna Rosa Royle,
Fortune,
9 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hot-button.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hot-button. Accessed 11 Nov. 2025.
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