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
Maria Guinnip, Oklahoman, 6 Feb. 2026
But while a data center blackout may account for these problems, which have escalated a collective paranoia over how TikTok USDS might seek to filter certain hot-button topics, users noted another curious wrinkle.
—Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 27 Jan. 2026
Frank Landymore, Futurism, 14 Jan. 2026
Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch's ejection for his role in a postgame brawl during Sunday night's game in Kansas City has become a hot button topic for NFL and Lions fans ever since, with Lions players Alim McNeill and Dan Skipper expressing their anger in recent days.
—MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hot-button
Adjective
As president of the mayors' conference, Holt presides over a coalition of leaders representing hundreds of cities amid a nationwide reckoning on hot-button topics like immigration enforcement, housing affordability, gun violence and political extremism.
—Maria Guinnip, Oklahoman, 6 Feb. 2026
But while a data center blackout may account for these problems, which have escalated a collective paranoia over how TikTok USDS might seek to filter certain hot-button topics, users noted another curious wrinkle.
—Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
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
Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch's ejection for his role in a postgame brawl during Sunday night's game in Kansas City has become a hot button topic for NFL and Lions fans ever since, with Lions players Alim McNeill and Dan Skipper expressing their anger in recent days.
—MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hot-button
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hot-button
Adjective
-
The discussion around tips remains contentious, and California lawmakers have struggled with how to handle the imperfect solution of service fees.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Over the past several weeks, Israel has launched a contentious land regulation process that will deepen its control in the occupied West Bank.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
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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
-
Denver is considering ending its relationship with Flock, a controversial company that maintains a network of license-plate reading cameras in the city, but Mayor Mike Johnston’s office plans to continue using that technology.—
Elliott Wenzler,
Denver Post,
16 Feb. 2026
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Torres has a controversial legacy in Colombia, where conservatives have long derided his decision to seek political change through violent means.—
Manuel Rueda,
Los Angeles Times,
16 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hot-button.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hot-button. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.
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