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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in third rail
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of hot-button
Peter Suciu, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
While a wide range of filmmakers have embraced the potential of AI to enhance production and bring about efficiencies, the technology has been a hot button for unions given the potential risk to industry jobs.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 4 Mar. 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
But aid to Ukraine has become a hot button in Washington, splitting lawmakers, some from the same party.
—Savannah Kuchar, USA TODAY, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hot-button
Noun
While this may not be a problem in a conversation about whether dogs are superior to cats, today's hot button topics are much more likely to touch on security-significant issues such as foreign policy, immigration, diversity efforts, and even national security itself.
—Peter Suciu, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
While a wide range of filmmakers have embraced the potential of AI to enhance production and bring about efficiencies, the technology has been a hot button for unions given the potential risk to industry jobs.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 4 Mar. 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
But aid to Ukraine has become a hot button in Washington, splitting lawmakers, some from the same party.
—Savannah Kuchar, USA TODAY, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hot-button
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hot-button
Adjective
-
The contentious professional relationship between billionaire Elon Musk and President Donald Trump has seemingly come to an end.—
Maria Gracia Santillana Linares,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
-
One particularly contentious confrontation occurred at a Home Depot in the heavily Latino city of Paramount, just outside Los Angeles.—
Joe Hernandez,
NPR,
8 June 2025
Noun
-
Changes to Medicaid have proven contentious, and Medicare is often considered a political third rail.—
Joseph Choi,
The Hill,
5 June 2025
-
Centering African-American stories and characters, DuVernay’s films frequently come into contact with the third rails of American history, such as incarceration, segregation and slavery.—
Eli Wizevich,
Smithsonian Magazine,
9 May 2025
Adjective
-
The presence was much larger than when officials detained an immigrant last week and appeared to be a continuation of the new and controversial practice that has troubled attorneys, angered activists and increased fears for immigrants.—
Stephen Hobbs,
Sacbee.com,
12 June 2025
-
But in the 1990s, the U.S. government undertook one of the most controversial wildlife programs in history — capturing wild wolves in Canada and reintroducing them in Idaho and Yellowstone National Park.—
Clark Corbin,
Idaho Statesman,
12 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hot-button.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hot-button. Accessed 15 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share