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

Data centers are now a hot-button political issue that could determine some politicians' fates. — Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 11 Aug. 2026 The 79th edition of the Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland is also ready to take on the big issue of consolidation and its fallout, along with other hot-button sector topics, at its 2026 Locarno Pro industry program. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 4 Aug. 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 See All Example Sentences for hot-button

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hot-button

Adjective

Gonzalez appeared at a contentious July congressional hearing in which the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History director, Anthea Hartig, was grilled on matters of diversity, equity, and inclusion in its programming.

— Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Arsenal looks to repeat last season’s championship run, and their contentious loss to PSG in the Champions League final could serve as further incentive for Mikel Arteta’s squad to run riot.

— Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of contentious

Noun

The guild pulling its sponsorship of Urbanworld reflects how AI remains a third rail within the creative community, even as everyone from directors to actors to director-actor-executive hybrids embrace it in different ways.

— Corbin Bolies, Variety, 30 July 2026
That is part of why K-12 schools have long been treated like a third rail.

— Karl Mawhinney, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

Definition of third rail

Adjective

Cunningham's controversial remarks came in an ESPN interview last month, saying her position is a matter of common sense.

— S.E. Jenkins, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
Mayor Andre Dickens is opposing a controversial plan to move the famed Olympic cauldron from Atlanta’s Summerhill neighborhood.

— Shaddi Abusaid, AJC.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of controversial

Browse Nearby Words

hot-bloodedness

hot-button

hot button

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Hot-button.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hot-button. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of hot-button

adjective

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

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