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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hot button
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
Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 18 Sep. 2025
Alongside such festival favorites are several provocative programming strands looking to highlight hot-button issues of the day.
—Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 18 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hot button
Adjective
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
Noun
His events don't produce the type of snappy soundbites like those from Kirk's Turning Point USA, where Kirk would would challenge college students to prove him wrong on hot-button issues in scenarios that regularly made for entertaining and viral social media videos.
—Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 18 Sep. 2025
Alongside such festival favorites are several provocative programming strands looking to highlight hot-button issues of the day.
—Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 18 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hot button
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hot button
Adjective
-
Diversity, equity, and inclusion has taken on a life of its own politically, and as with many contentious issues, the state has issued legal guidance on how it must be addressed.—
Grace Tucker,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
15 Oct. 2025
-
The first round of talks between the two sides was contentious.—
Winston Cho,
HollywoodReporter,
15 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The extreme danger comes from multiple factors: low clearance in tunnels, electrical hazards from the third rail, sudden train movements, and the risk of falling onto tracks or platforms.—
Adeola Adeosun,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Oct. 2025
-
Three of every 10 Chicago schools sit at least half-empty, and closing or merging them remains a political third rail.—
Mila Koumpilova,
ProPublica,
9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
But in 2023, Meloni’s government struck an agreement with Albania – a non-EU country – to build controversial migrant detention centers and subvert the EU agreement.—
Chelsea Bailey,
CNN Money,
19 Oct. 2025
-
Reese has become arguably the most controversial figure in women's basketball since then.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
19 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hot button.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hot%20button. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.
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