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
Related Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of hot-button
Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 4 Mar. 2026
Educating the public about responsible AI use is a hot-button issue and is part of the company’s adoption side discussions, the other half being practical uses.
—Gretchen Wittenmyer-Stone, Miami Herald, 25 Feb. 2026
Los Angeles Times, 14 Jan. 2026
The use of generative AI has been a hot button issue in art and entertainment, and game development has been no exception.
—Frank Landymore, Futurism, 14 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hot-button
Adjective
The Lone Star State's primaries tested different Democratic and Republican styles, showing which tones may appeal to voters in a historically red state where a hot-button issue like immigration is close to home.
—Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 4 Mar. 2026
Educating the public about responsible AI use is a hot-button issue and is part of the company’s adoption side discussions, the other half being practical uses.
—Gretchen Wittenmyer-Stone, Miami Herald, 25 Feb. 2026
Noun
Natural gas bans have become a political hot button in California, with cities such as Berkeley moving to phase out the fossil fuel in favor of electrification.
—Los Angeles Times, 14 Jan. 2026
The use of generative AI has been a hot button issue in art and entertainment, and game development has been no exception.
—Frank Landymore, Futurism, 14 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hot-button
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hot-button
Adjective
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On the other side of this contentious disagreement is the developer, who said there is demand for new housing, and the wastewater facility is a safe and necessary component to facilitate growth.—
Matthew Adams,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
12 Mar. 2026
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Associations embroiled in contentious disputes should seek guidance from qualified attorneys and other professionals to help find negotiated resolutions.—
Awilda Esteras,
Miami Herald,
12 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Dog Day Afternoon is the third rail of male love and loneliness—a primal scream from the sweltering streets of a stone broke New York City.—
Jenny Lumet,
Vanity Fair,
10 Feb. 2026
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The dog was discovered on the tracks next to the third rail and was pronounced dead at the scene, NYPD told the outlets.—
Kimberlee Speakman,
PEOPLE,
3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Front and rear wings are simplified, and the sport’s controversial Drag Reduction System (DRS)—long considered to create artificial overtaking—has been abolished.—
Brad Spurgeon,
Robb Report,
9 Mar. 2026
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When asked about Trump’s immigration policies — which have been controversial and are viewed by some Venezuelan residents as harmful to their community — Rodriguez first expressed support.—
Verónica Egui Brito,
Miami Herald,
9 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hot-button.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hot-button. Accessed 15 Mar. 2026.
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