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
Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 7 Aug. 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
The panel previously decided against pushing for open primaries — a hot button issue that had advocates from all ends of the political spectrum up in arms.
—Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 21 July 2025
Stances on hot button topics, such as the ICE raids, didn't seem to move the needle for the more progressive or antiestablishment candidates, including Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop, however.
—Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 12 June 2025
And Chilling Take On Orwell’s Classic Novella – Annecy Animation Festival
AI and generative AI is a hot button topic at Annecy this year.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 12 June 2025
Several hot button political issues are likely to drive the debate over spending as the spring legislative session goes on.
—Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 18 Feb. 2025
The region has been a hot button political issue in both countries.
—Evan Clark, WWD, 16 Jan. 2025
Right now, studios seem nervous to touch hot button political issues in filmmaking.
—Ryan Faughnder, Los Angeles Times, 14 Jan. 2025
Adjective
That has become a hot button issue, with both the left and the right side of the political aisle accusing the chatbot of bias.
—Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 7 Aug. 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
The panel previously decided against pushing for open primaries — a hot button issue that had advocates from all ends of the political spectrum up in arms.
—Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 21 July 2025
Stances on hot button topics, such as the ICE raids, didn't seem to move the needle for the more progressive or antiestablishment candidates, including Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop, however.
—Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 12 June 2025
And Chilling Take On Orwell’s Classic Novella – Annecy Animation Festival
AI and generative AI is a hot button topic at Annecy this year.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 12 June 2025
Several hot button political issues are likely to drive the debate over spending as the spring legislative session goes on.
—Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 18 Feb. 2025
The region has been a hot button political issue in both countries.
—Evan Clark, WWD, 16 Jan. 2025
Right now, studios seem nervous to touch hot button political issues in filmmaking.
—Ryan Faughnder, Los Angeles Times, 14 Jan. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hot button
Adjective
-
Elsewhere in the Bay Area, San Francisco Playhouse is wrapping up a one-person show that leads audiences to consider their feelings and beliefs about the profoundly contentious Israel-Gaza conflict, even though it’s mostly meant to be a personal story.—
Martha Ross,
Mercury News,
7 Aug. 2025
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Instead of a more contentious disagreement, which could have necessitated a final ruling from commissioner Roger Goodell, the two sides ultimately settled on an agreement to share the equity.—
Eben Novy-Williams,
Sportico.com,
7 Aug. 2025
Noun
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The new law rolls back California’s landmark environmental review law to exempt urban apartment developments, an idea once considered a legislative third rail.—
CalMatters,
Mercury News,
13 July 2025
-
Medicare trustees have sounded the alarm on the Hospital Trust Fund for years, though the warnings have mostly been ignored by Congress, as lawmakers view Medicare reforms as a political third rail.—
Aris Folley,
The Hill,
18 June 2025
Adjective
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Long was considered an unusual (and controversial—keep reading) choice for the position.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes.com,
8 Aug. 2025
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Marquee mixed doubles Sweeping – and controversial – changes have been made to the mixed doubles competition this year, which will now be staged on August 19 and 20 and include some of the biggest names in the sport.—
George Ramsay,
CNN Money,
7 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hot button.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hot%20button. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
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