Synonyms of hot-button

hot-button 1 of 2

adjective

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

• contentious
• controversial
• difficult
• polemical
• argumentative
• tough
• problematic
• thorny
• touchy
• disputatious
• knotty
• delicate
• ticklish
• spiny

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• safe
• undeniable
• indisputable
• noncontroversial
• unquestionable
• incontestable
• uncontroversial
• incontrovertible
• indubitable
• irrefutable
• undisputed
• uncontested

hot button

2 of 2

noun

as in third rail

Related Words

• third rail
• powder keg
• time bomb
• flash point
• volcano
• tinderbox

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of hot-button

Adjective

The 79th edition of the Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland is also ready to take on the big issue of consolidation and its fallout, along with other hot-button sector topics, at its 2026 Locarno Pro industry program. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 4 Aug. 2026

The challenge spotlights long-running battles over how California frames hot-button ballot measures, with legal experts noting broad discretion for the attorney general. — Dakota Smith, Los Angeles Times, 28 July 2026

Noun

Instead, the panelists raised a familiar array of hot button issues — gas prices, wildfires, home insurance, homelessness, health care, housing shortages and education lapses — and asked for reactions. — Dan Walters, Mercury News, 2 May 2026

In Florida, the construction of data centers has become a hot button issue, with state lawmakers passing a bill adding guardrails intended to protect residents from increases to their electric bills and risks to water supply. — Miami Herald, 22 Apr. 2026