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
Megan Rodriguez, San Antonio Express-News, 1 Jan. 2026
The project’s more progressive features turned it into a hot-button issue in the Capitol.
—Talya Zax, The Atlantic, 23 Dec. 2025
MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025
Freedom of expression and issues of self-censorship were leitmotifs of this year’s Zurich Summit, with execs discussing attacks on cultural pluralism and as well as attitudes to hot button films.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 30 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hot-button
Adjective
The pair made headlines picketing hot-button issues at City Hall.
—Megan Rodriguez, San Antonio Express-News, 1 Jan. 2026
The project’s more progressive features turned it into a hot-button issue in the Capitol.
—Talya Zax, The Atlantic, 23 Dec. 2025
Noun
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
Freedom of expression and issues of self-censorship were leitmotifs of this year’s Zurich Summit, with execs discussing attacks on cultural pluralism and as well as attitudes to hot button films.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 30 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hot-button
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hot-button
Adjective
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The issue of what to do with the personal belongings of those living in encampments is particularly contentious in East County.—
Hannah Elsmore,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 Jan. 2026
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After their contentious Zoom call, HBO asked Martin to step back from Dragon altogether.—
James Hibberd,
HollywoodReporter,
15 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The Hyundai was lodged in the westbound trackway, and there was visible damage to the track and the electric third rail.—
Carlos E. Castañeda,
CBS News,
16 Dec. 2025
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Three, the third rail of immigration keeps closing in.—
Jim Cramer,
CNBC,
10 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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The Golden Globes' new category drew backlash after controversial stars Joe Rogan, Candace Owens, Megyn Kelly, and more made the eligibility shortlist.—
Joey Nolfi,
Entertainment Weekly,
12 Jan. 2026
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These ingredients appear on the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists’ list of pregnancy-safe options but are slightly more controversial, so check with your ob-gyn first.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
12 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hot-button.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hot-button. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
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