hot button

noun

: an emotional and usually controversial issue or concern that triggers immediate intense reaction
hot-button adjective

Examples of hot button in a Sentence

The film is considered very controversial for all the hot buttons it pushes.
Recent Examples on the Web
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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 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 See all Example Sentences for hot button 

Word History

First Known Use

1966, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hot button was in 1966

Dictionary Entries Near hot button

Cite this Entry

“Hot button.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hot%20button. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on hot button

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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