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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in third rail
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Chris Lee, Vulture, 28 Feb. 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
Created by Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield in 1978, the ice cream brand has long been known for speaking out on hot button issues, key among them climate change.
—Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 14 Feb. 2025
Abortion is less of a hot button issue in Europe than in the United States, and happens with much less controversy.
—Nick Paton Walsh, CNN, 14 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hot-button
Noun
But given the enduring complexities of Israeli-Palestinian coexistence and the cultural hot button that campus protests became over the past two years, Hollywood — like much of America — is not in lockstep on how to call for peace in Gaza.
—Chris Lee, Vulture, 28 Feb. 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
Created by Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield in 1978, the ice cream brand has long been known for speaking out on hot button issues, key among them climate change.
—Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 14 Feb. 2025
Abortion is less of a hot button issue in Europe than in the United States, and happens with much less controversy.
—Nick Paton Walsh, CNN, 14 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hot-button
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hot-button
Adjective
-
The implementation was originally blocked in federal court and sparked a contentious legal back-and-forth.—
Ross Rosenfeld,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 Apr. 2025
-
Some of his actions have been highly contentious, including his decision to deport migrants to an El Salvadorian prison using an 18th century wartime statute — which was subject to legal challenges.—
Brendan Rascius,
Miami Herald,
23 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
But that doesn’t make the subject any less the third rail for nearly everybody in the SNL orbit.—
Mikey O'Connell,
HollywoodReporter,
16 Apr. 2025
-
Goalie interference is the third rail of the NHL, the most gray area the league has to judge — just look at the end of the second period, when Anders Lee’s goal was upheld on a Columbus challenge after some jostling with Blue Jackets goalie Elvis Merzlikins.—
Arthur Staple,
The Athletic,
25 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Now, the Steelers have made their decision on Sanders, and elected to pass on the controversial Colorado star.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Apr. 2025
-
Her appointment is the latest wrinkle in the ongoing legal dispute over Castillo’s controversial removal from office on Feb. 18, when the results of the city’s residency investigation were revealed to civic leaders in a closed-door meeting.—
Ruben Vives,
Los Angeles Times,
25 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hot-button.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hot-button. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share