hot-button 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of hot-buttonnext
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

hot button

2 of 2

noun

as in third rail

Related 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
Adjective
Housing has grown into a hot-button issue among voters in recent years as homeownership and rents in many areas have become less affordable for many Americans. — ABC News, 24 June 2026 On the pitch, weather (in the form of heat/humidity and rain) has become one of several hot-button topics of the tournament. — Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 24 June 2026
Noun
In Florida, the construction of data centers has become a hot button issue, with state lawmakers passing a bill adding guardrails intended to protect residents from increases to their electric bills and risks to water supply. — Miami Herald, 22 Apr. 2026 The use of generative AI to recreate Kilmer for the historical drama based on archaeologists Ann and Earl Morris became a hot button topic when the filmmakers announced it last month. — ABC News, 15 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hot-button
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hot-button
  1. contentious
  2. third rail
  3. controversial
Adjective
  • An independent review of the scoring in Manny Pacquiao’s contentious WBO welterweight world title loss to Jeff Horn confirms the outcome in favor of the Australian.
    — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
  • Since 2024, singer Frank Carter has stepped into the role established by John Lydon, aka Johnny Rotten, who last performed with the band in 2008 and continues to have a contentious relationship with them.
    — Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 10 July 2026
Definition of contentious
Noun
  • EMUs are faster and can often carry more people, but require overhead catenary lines or a third rail, while the battery electric locomotives can be used on non-electrified track by charging their batteries, reducing the infrastructure investment.
    — State House News Service, Boston Herald, 1 May 2026
  • That train also hit debris — potentially a loose section of the third rail, sources told The News.
    — Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 29 Apr. 2026
Definition of third rail
Adjective
  • The twice-annual practice of switching clocks has been controversial for many years, with nearly all Americans against the biannual change, according to a 2025 AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research survey.
    — Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2026
  • Their past two victories against Switzerland and Egypt came with the help of controversial calls that had the soccer-watching populace buzzing about potential favoritism toward Argentina.
    — AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 14 July 2026
Definition of controversial

Browse Nearby Words

hot-bloodedness
hot-button
hot button
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hot-button.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hot-button. Accessed 16 Jul. 2026.

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