Synonyms of hot-button

hot-button 1 of 2

adjective

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

• contentious
• controversial
• difficult
• polemical
• argumentative
• tough
• problematic
• thorny
• touchy
• disputatious
• knotty
• delicate
• ticklish
• spiny

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• safe
• undeniable
• indisputable
• noncontroversial
• unquestionable
• incontestable
• uncontroversial
• incontrovertible
• indubitable
• irrefutable
• undisputed
• uncontested

hot button

2 of 2

noun

as in third rail

Related Words

• third rail
• powder keg
• time bomb
• flash point
• volcano
• tinderbox

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of hot-button

Adjective

Data center development is a hot-button topic across the state and country as community members raise concerns about the industry’s water and power use. — Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 July 2026

Trump underwater in the economy and immigration policies The economy and immigration are hot-button issues for respondents, many of whom don't believe the president is doing a good job of handling either. — Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 21 July 2026

Noun

Instead, the panelists raised a familiar array of hot button issues — gas prices, wildfires, home insurance, homelessness, health care, housing shortages and education lapses — and asked for reactions. — Dan Walters, Mercury News, 2 May 2026

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