HOT-BUTTON! Synonyms: 34 Similar and Opposite Words

hot-button 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of hot-button

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

hot button

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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

Adjective

Wars, natural disasters, geopolitical polarization and this year's hot-button worry — artificial intelligence — have seized attention. — ABC News, 25 Sep. 2026 When and where hyperscale data centers should be constructed in Kansas has emerged as a hot-button issue in the 2026 governor race. — Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 24 Sep. 2026

Noun

Harrington’s first comments as mayor stayed light and forward-looking without delving into the city’s hot button issues. — Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2026 The case became a hot button issue at the time amid a rash of disappearances and murders of Black women and girls in the Midwest state. — Michael Loria, USA Today, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for hot-button

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hot-button

Adjective

Data centers have emerged as a key, contentious campaign issue in Florida’s elections as the industry increasingly looks to Florida as one of its next frontiers.

— Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026
The billionaire tax fight grew more contentious last month after the lead proponent of the measure, SEIU UHW President Dave Regan, was accused of harassing female colleagues and threatening other union leaders to urge them to back the measure.

— ABC News, ABC News, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of contentious

Noun

School closures have been a political third rail in Chicago since officials shuttered 50 schools in 2013, a move that prompted widespread outcry across the city.

— Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 24 Sep. 2026
After learning that passengers had self-evacuated, Metro-North Railroad disconnected the third rail and suspended train service to the Lower Level of Grand Central, the MTA said in its release.

— Charmaine Patterson, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of third rail

Adjective

Because Sand has not served in a legislative capacity, he isn’t burdened by a controversial voting record on leftist policies, as is Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico, who is also trying to flip a red state seat.

— Gabrielle M. Etzel, The Washington Examiner, 13 Oct. 2026
While many of the more contentious and controversial aspects of his life are presented in one-sided fashion, friend and former manager Rory Holloway’s still-raw sense of betrayal at Tyson firing his entire team is evoked with vivid irritation.

— Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of controversial

Browse Nearby Words

hot-bloodedness

hot-button

hot button

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“Hot-button.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hot-button. Accessed 17 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of hot-button

adjective

noun

Example Sentences

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