HOT-BUTTON Synonyms: 34 Similar and Opposite Words

hot-button 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of hot-button

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

hot button

2 of 2

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of hot-button

Adjective

The Riyadh Comedy Festival was a hot-button topic that split the industry. — Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 23 July 2026 Data center development is a hot-button topic across the state and country as community members raise concerns about the industry’s water and power use. — Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 July 2026

Noun

Instead, the panelists raised a familiar array of hot button issues — gas prices, wildfires, home insurance, homelessness, health care, housing shortages and education lapses — and asked for reactions. — Dan Walters, Mercury News, 2 May 2026 In Florida, the construction of data centers has become a hot button issue, with state lawmakers passing a bill adding guardrails intended to protect residents from increases to their electric bills and risks to water supply. — Miami Herald, 22 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hot-button

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hot-button

Adjective

Stassi Anastassov, former Duracell CEO, has taken the helm at Ferretti Group following a contentious boardroom battle, despite his lack of prior yachting experience.

— Bill Springer, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
At a contentious Senate hearing in July 2021, Paul repeatedly clashed with Fauci and accused him of lying about the government funding research in Wuhan.

— Michael Collins, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of contentious

Noun

The guild pulling its sponsorship of Urbanworld reflects how AI remains a third rail within the creative community, even as everyone from directors to actors to director-actor-executive hybrids embrace it in different ways.

— Corbin Bolies, Variety, 30 July 2026
That is part of why K-12 schools have long been treated like a third rail.

— Karl Mawhinney, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

Definition of third rail

Adjective

The fallout from that controversial attempt has divided the soccer landscape, with continental confederations and individual national associations all split on whether a change in FIFA leadership is needed.

— Ben Church, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026
This curved, laughing hyena is a reference to the Laffer Curve, a famous — and controversial — economic theory named after economist Arthur Laffer.

— Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of controversial

Browse Nearby Words

hot-bloodedness

hot-button

hot button

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Style

“Hot-button.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hot-button. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of hot-button

adjective

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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