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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hot button
Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 7 Aug. 2025
But aid to Ukraine has become a hot button in Washington, splitting lawmakers, some from the same party.
—Savannah Kuchar, USA TODAY, 25 Feb. 2025
The panel previously decided against pushing for open primaries — a hot button issue that had advocates from all ends of the political spectrum up in arms.
—Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 21 July 2025
Stances on hot button topics, such as the ICE raids, didn't seem to move the needle for the more progressive or antiestablishment candidates, including Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop, however.
—Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 12 June 2025
And Chilling Take On Orwell’s Classic Novella – Annecy Animation Festival
AI and generative AI is a hot button topic at Annecy this year.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 12 June 2025
Several hot button political issues are likely to drive the debate over spending as the spring legislative session goes on.
—Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 18 Feb. 2025
The region has been a hot button political issue in both countries.
—Evan Clark, WWD, 16 Jan. 2025
Right now, studios seem nervous to touch hot button political issues in filmmaking.
—Ryan Faughnder, Los Angeles Times, 14 Jan. 2025
Adjective
That has become a hot button issue, with both the left and the right side of the political aisle accusing the chatbot of bias.
—Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 7 Aug. 2025
But aid to Ukraine has become a hot button in Washington, splitting lawmakers, some from the same party.
—Savannah Kuchar, USA TODAY, 25 Feb. 2025
The panel previously decided against pushing for open primaries — a hot button issue that had advocates from all ends of the political spectrum up in arms.
—Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 21 July 2025
Stances on hot button topics, such as the ICE raids, didn't seem to move the needle for the more progressive or antiestablishment candidates, including Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop, however.
—Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 12 June 2025
And Chilling Take On Orwell’s Classic Novella – Annecy Animation Festival
AI and generative AI is a hot button topic at Annecy this year.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 12 June 2025
Several hot button political issues are likely to drive the debate over spending as the spring legislative session goes on.
—Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 18 Feb. 2025
The region has been a hot button political issue in both countries.
—Evan Clark, WWD, 16 Jan. 2025
Right now, studios seem nervous to touch hot button political issues in filmmaking.
—Ryan Faughnder, Los Angeles Times, 14 Jan. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hot button
Adjective
-
Footage recently surfaced from a wild brawl that took place on a Carnival Cruise ship, but the origin is contentious.—
Armon Sadler,
VIBE.com,
21 Aug. 2025
-
Bengals fans are familiar with these kinds of contentious negotiations involving a star player.—
Eric Jackson,
Sportico.com,
21 Aug. 2025
Noun
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For decades, politicians in both parties have operated on the belief that Social Security is the third rail of American politics, dangerous if not fatal to touch.—
Ronald Brownstein,
Mercury News,
27 June 2025
-
The new law rolls back California’s landmark environmental review law to exempt urban apartment developments, an idea once considered a legislative third rail.—
CalMatters,
Mercury News,
13 July 2025
Adjective
-
Trump administration officials strutted through Union Station amid its deployment of federal law enforcement and National Guard troops in Washington, D.C., arguing the controversial action is bringing down crime.—
Phillip M. Bailey,
USA Today,
23 Aug. 2025
-
Key Facts Abrego Garcia, who was born in El Salvador but lived in Maryland when the Trump administration mistakenly deported him in March, was released from federal custody Friday but still faces trial on criminal charges brought by the administration during his controversial removal.—
Zachary Folk,
Forbes.com,
23 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hot button.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hot%20button. Accessed 4 Sep. 2025.
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