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
-
President Joe Biden prioritized student loan forgiveness during his term, introducing broad and contentious programs—challenged by his opponents in the courts—to relieve people of large chunks of their college debt.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
18 Jan. 2025
-
The loud and contentious debate about whether Indiana and SMU deserved CFP at-large bids overshadowed the reality of postseason football in both college and the NFL.—
Scott Dochterman,
The Athletic,
18 Jan. 2025
Noun
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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
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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
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Less controversial are interventions tailored to communities.—
Amy Maxmen | KFF Health News,
ABC News,
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 31 Jan. 2025.
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