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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in third rail
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hot-button
Peter Suciu, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
While a wide range of filmmakers have embraced the potential of AI to enhance production and bring about efficiencies, the technology has been a hot button for unions given the potential risk to industry jobs.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 4 Mar. 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
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
See All Example Sentences for hot-button
Noun
While this may not be a problem in a conversation about whether dogs are superior to cats, today's hot button topics are much more likely to touch on security-significant issues such as foreign policy, immigration, diversity efforts, and even national security itself.
—Peter Suciu, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
While a wide range of filmmakers have embraced the potential of AI to enhance production and bring about efficiencies, the technology has been a hot button for unions given the potential risk to industry jobs.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 4 Mar. 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
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
See All Example Sentences for hot-button
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hot-button
Adjective
-
In that same post, Swift highlighted her contentious history with Braun, largely via his work with her longtime foe, Kanye West.—
Jon Blistein,
Rolling Stone,
30 May 2025
-
This public WiFi hijacking threat is almost as contentious as juice-jacking amongst cyber experts.—
Zak Doffman,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2025
Noun
-
Centering African-American stories and characters, DuVernay’s films frequently come into contact with the third rails of American history, such as incarceration, segregation and slavery.—
Eli Wizevich,
Smithsonian Magazine,
9 May 2025
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Social Security is the third rail of American politics Social Security advocates say Trump and Musk, the tech billionaire, are learning a lesson absorbed by many politicians and policy wonks before them.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
The data linking water fluoridation to low IQ is controversial.—
Beth Mole,
ArsTechnica,
30 May 2025
-
His ascension was controversial, with some federal lawmakers questioning the legitimacy of his claims to the presidency.—
Sarah Kuta,
Smithsonian Magazine,
30 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hot-button.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hot-button. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.
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