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
David Weigel, semafor.com, 19 Sep. 2025
But given the enduring complexities of Israeli-Palestinian coexistence and the cultural hot button that campus protests became over the past two years, Hollywood — like much of America — is not in lockstep on how to call for peace in Gaza.
—Chris Lee, Vulture, 28 Feb. 2025
Devin Dwyer, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2025
The miscue underscored why goaltending is such a hot-button topic for this team.
—Daniel Nugent-Bowman, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hot button
Adjective
And one of our roles is to put out a large volume of intellectually honest, unbiased polling data that will illustrate where the American people are on a range of hot button topics.
—David Weigel, semafor.com, 19 Sep. 2025
But given the enduring complexities of Israeli-Palestinian coexistence and the cultural hot button that campus protests became over the past two years, Hollywood — like much of America — is not in lockstep on how to call for peace in Gaza.
—Chris Lee, Vulture, 28 Feb. 2025
Noun
The Supreme Court also rejected several other hot-button cases in its order list released Tuesday.
—Devin Dwyer, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2025
The miscue underscored why goaltending is such a hot-button topic for this team.
—Daniel Nugent-Bowman, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hot button
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hot button
Adjective
-
The close, caring but contentious relationships among the three Williams women constitute some of the new season’s greatest pleasures.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
23 Oct. 2025
-
The filibuster remains a contentious fixture, shaping negotiations and highlighting deep divisions in Congress.—
Amanda Castro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Once upon a time, maternal unhappiness seemed like the third rail of cultural discourse, something too dangerous to touch.—
Emma Specter,
Vogue,
18 Oct. 2025
-
The extreme danger comes from multiple factors: low clearance in tunnels, electrical hazards from the third rail, sudden train movements, and the risk of falling onto tracks or platforms.—
Adeola Adeosun,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Her visits to the controversial Yasukuni Shrine, which its nearest neighbors see as an homage to Japan’s past wartime aggressions, have also angered both of those nations.—
Hanako Montgomery,
CNN Money,
27 Oct. 2025
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Some celebrants were building political support for the controversial Barge Canal.—
JSTOR Daily,
JSTOR Daily,
26 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hot button.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hot%20button. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
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