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
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of hot-button
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
And as a record number of anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been introduced in the United States, LGBTQ+ rights are a hot button issue in the upcoming election.
—Quinn Clark, Journal Sentinel, 23 Oct. 2024
The new hot button is seen integrated into the caps key.
—Julian Chokkattu, WIRED, 1 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for hot-button 
Noun
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
And as a record number of anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been introduced in the United States, LGBTQ+ rights are a hot button issue in the upcoming election.
—Quinn Clark, Journal Sentinel, 23 Oct. 2024
The new hot button is seen integrated into the caps key.
—Julian Chokkattu, WIRED, 1 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for hot-button
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hot-button
Adjective
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The map of the area today has been drawn by a convoluted history of interstate wars, outside interference, contentious politics within both the Israeli and Palestinian communities, and aborted attempts at a peaceful resolution.Michael Schuman, The Atlantic, 6 Jan. 2025
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The change would weaken legislative control and give Wisconsinites more direct input on contentious policies.Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 6 Jan. 2025
Noun
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At that last event Dylan touched the third rail of folk music by playing an electric guitar, in a performance that prompted boos from the audience — although whether the booing was a response to the transgression or the sound quality has been the subject of debate.Ben Kenigsberg, New York Times, 27 Dec. 2024
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After decades of treating gambling as a third rail, almost every major U.S. pro sports league has not only gotten comfortable associating betting on its games, but also encourages it on a daily basis, with a cacophony of ads during games from each league’s betting partners.David Aldridge, The Athletic, 17 Apr. 2024
Adjective
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Exactly who gets to determine when Ramadan begins and ends is controversial.Jamie Carter, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025
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Such matters could include approval of repeating expenditures, liens on delinquent members, routine contract renewals, or anything else which is not expected to be controversial.Kelly G. Richardson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 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 18 Jan. 2025.
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