HOT BUTTON Synonyms: 34 Similar and Opposite Words

hot-button 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of hot-button

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

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

With the midterm elections less than two weeks away, this has become a hot-button political issue. — Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026 The money is coming from data centers, a hot-button issue in several suburbs. — Tracy O'Brien, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026

Noun

Harrington’s first comments as mayor stayed light and forward-looking without delving into the city’s hot button issues. — Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2026 The case became a hot button issue at the time amid a rash of disappearances and murders of Black women and girls in the Midwest state. — Michael Loria, USA Today, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for hot-button

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hot-button

Adjective

Skip to Main Content Concert Review The first of a historic five-night run at Mercedes-Benz Stadium was contentious and confounding.

— DeAsia Paige, AJC.com, 6 Nov. 2026
The Ravens, meanwhile, are 4-4 and sit at the bottom of a contentious AFC North.

— Jason Cohen, PC Magazine, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of contentious

Noun

School closures have been a political third rail in Chicago since officials shuttered 50 schools in 2013, a move that prompted widespread outcry across the city.

— Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 24 Sep. 2026
After learning that passengers had self-evacuated, Metro-North Railroad disconnected the third rail and suspended train service to the Lower Level of Grand Central, the MTA said in its release.

— Charmaine Patterson, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of third rail

Adjective

Tuesday’s lawsuit is the fourth legal challenge brought against the president’s highly controversial monument.

— David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 11 Nov. 2026
Google has agreed to additional privacy protections in the wake of its controversial acquisition of ‌business data from bankrupt Spirit Airlines, both the airline and unions representing former airline employees announced Tuesday.

— David Lyons, Sun Sentinel, 10 Nov. 2026

Definition of controversial

Browse Nearby Words

hot-bloodedness

hot-button

hot button

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Style

“Hot-button.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hot-button. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of hot-button

adjective

noun

Example Sentences

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