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

Commercial driver’s licenses for noncitizens have become a hot-button issue for the DOT after multiple fatal crashes involving noncitizens who were granted licenses despite not meeting federal standards. — Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 28 Sep. 2026 Fans throwing objects, especially beer, has become a hot-button issue, and increasingly common, at some country music concerts over the last two years. — Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 25 Sep. 2026

Noun

Harrington’s first comments as mayor stayed light and forward-looking without delving into the city’s hot button issues. — Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2026 The case became a hot button issue at the time amid a rash of disappearances and murders of Black women and girls in the Midwest state. — Michael Loria, USA Today, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for hot-button

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hot-button

Adjective

But there are uncertainties ahead, including MLB labor negotiations, which will address the contentious question of a player salary cap and could result in a prolonged work stoppage in 2027.

— Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 16 Oct. 2026
But the series then gets to know people in depth, allowing for far more nuance than the contentious school board meetings.

— Stuart Miller, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of contentious

Noun

School closures have been a political third rail in Chicago since officials shuttered 50 schools in 2013, a move that prompted widespread outcry across the city.

— Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 24 Sep. 2026
After learning that passengers had self-evacuated, Metro-North Railroad disconnected the third rail and suspended train service to the Lower Level of Grand Central, the MTA said in its release.

— Charmaine Patterson, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of third rail

Adjective

Because Sand has not served in a legislative capacity, he isn’t burdened by a controversial voting record on leftist policies, as is Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico, who is also trying to flip a red state seat.

— Gabrielle M. Etzel, The Washington Examiner, 13 Oct. 2026
While many of the more contentious and controversial aspects of his life are presented in one-sided fashion, friend and former manager Rory Holloway’s still-raw sense of betrayal at Tyson firing his entire team is evoked with vivid irritation.

— Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 13 Oct. 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 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of hot-button

adjective

noun

Example Sentences

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