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

Housing has grown into a hot-button issue among voters in recent years as homeownership and rents in many areas have become less affordable for many Americans. — ABC News, 24 June 2026 This dichotomy between Canada’s now-massive drought and the Sun Belt’s remarkable rise is a constant hot-button topic in league circles. — James Mirtle, New York Times, 11 June 2026

Noun

This contemporary, topical story touches on many current hot button issues while delighting audiences with memorable songs and explosive dances. — Jennifer McRae, CBS News, 17 Mar. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for hot-button

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hot-button

Adjective

These groups tackle politically contentious issues like immigration, human rights, and the environment.

— Michael Posner, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
However, the bill was so contentious that in order to squeak it through, legislators stuffed it full of carve-outs and exemptions, allowing cities to delay implementation by passing their own plans to add density.

— Jack Flemming, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026

Definition of contentious

Noun

EMUs are faster and can often carry more people, but require overhead catenary lines or a third rail, while the battery electric locomotives can be used on non-electrified track by charging their batteries, reducing the infrastructure investment.

— State House News Service, Boston Herald, 1 May 2026
That train also hit debris — potentially a loose section of the third rail, sources told The News.

— Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 29 Apr. 2026

Definition of third rail

Adjective

In a controversial move, the Department of Education last year decided that certain healthcare studies – such as nursing, physician assistants and physical therapy – were not considered professional programs.

— Tami Luhby, CNN Money, 1 July 2026
One of the most controversial things to happen in sports over the last five to seven years or so is the introduction of jersey ads.

— Matt Reigle OutKick, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2026

Definition of controversial

Browse Nearby Words

hot-bloodedness

hot-button

hot button

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Hot-button.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hot-button. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of hot-button

adjective

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

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