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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hot-button
Jackson Thompson, Fox News, 29 Oct. 2024
None of this really should be surprising, because inflation, employment, and business cycles will always be hot button political issues.
—Norbert Michel, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024
Hitting hot button issues with fresh insight and hysterical precision, Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele revealed themselves to be two of the best comedy writers in the business, leading to a Peabody Award, two Emmy Awards, and millions of fans.
—Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2024
But as eating disorders remain a hot button issue both on- and offline, influencers who promote them will continue to profit.
—Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 1 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for hot-button 
Noun
With just a week left until an election where the topic of protecting women's sports has become a hot button issue, Gabbard gave attendees a reminder of Harris' record in enabling transgender inclusion.
—Jackson Thompson, Fox News, 29 Oct. 2024
None of this really should be surprising, because inflation, employment, and business cycles will always be hot button political issues.
—Norbert Michel, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024
Hitting hot button issues with fresh insight and hysterical precision, Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele revealed themselves to be two of the best comedy writers in the business, leading to a Peabody Award, two Emmy Awards, and millions of fans.
—Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2024
But as eating disorders remain a hot button issue both on- and offline, influencers who promote them will continue to profit.
—Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 1 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for hot-button
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hot-button
Adjective
-
France’s strict media chronology rules have been a contentious issue for Disney with the company reluctant to sign up for official investment obligations and skipping theatrical releases for movies, such as Strange World in 2022, in protest at the previous 17-month window for Disney+.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
29 Jan. 2025
-
Kennedy’s hearing marks the beginning of what is expected to be a series of contentious sessions on Capitol Hill.—
Matt Galka,
Baltimore Sun,
29 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
All their lives were at risk because if Mr. Lynskey touched the third rail while the rescuers were touching him, they all could be electrocuted.—
Katherine Rosman,
New York Times,
24 Jan. 2025
-
The bottom line: Republican lawmakers have generally considered ESAs to be a third rail and are extremely resistant to Democratic proposals to eliminate or curtail the 2022 expansion of the program.—
Jeremy Duda,
Axios,
21 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Several House and Senate Democrats supported the passage of the Laken Riley Act despite the bill’s controversial measures.—
Stuart Anderson,
Forbes,
19 Jan. 2025
-
The Cubs kept his access time brief, knowing he would be asked about the controversial subject.—
Paul Sullivan,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near hot-button
Cite this Entry
“Hot-button.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hot-button. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.
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