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
Related Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hot button
Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 12 June 2025
That tagline really was a cultural hot button at a time when the second wave of feminism was sweeping the country.
—Valerie Monroe, Allure, 25 Mar. 2025
Brett Samuels, The Hill, 18 Sep. 2025
As free speech becomes a hot-button issue in the wake of Charlie Kirk‘s assassination, one of his colleagues and close friends is speaking up for his interests.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 18 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hot button
Adjective
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
That tagline really was a cultural hot button at a time when the second wave of feminism was sweeping the country.
—Valerie Monroe, Allure, 25 Mar. 2025
Noun
Trump’s comments appeared to allude to the FCC’s fairness doctrine, which required networks holding broadcast licenses to reflect different viewpoints on hot-button issues.
—Brett Samuels, The Hill, 18 Sep. 2025
As free speech becomes a hot-button issue in the wake of Charlie Kirk‘s assassination, one of his colleagues and close friends is speaking up for his interests.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 18 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hot button
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hot button
Adjective
-
The discovery renews scrutiny of Bolton’s handling of sensitive national security information and echoes long-standing concerns first raised during a contentious legal battle over his 2020 memoir.—
Robert Alexander,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Sep. 2025
-
There is a contentious debate about AI in Hollywood.—
J.D. Capelouto,
semafor.com,
24 Sep. 2025
Noun
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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
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The conflict in Gaza is an obvious third rail in Hollywood right now.—
Zak Cheney-Rice,
Vulture,
28 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Jimmy Kimmel’s controversial remarks about Kirk’s killing prompted ABC to temporarily suspend his late-night TV show, which has prompted widespread concerns around free speech.—
Patrick Ryan,
USA Today,
29 Sep. 2025
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On Friday, the controversial author responded to a clip of comedian Intel Lady spoofing Watson’s recent conversation on the On Purpose With Jay Shetty podcast.—
Carly Thomas,
HollywoodReporter,
28 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hot button.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hot%20button. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.
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