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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in third rail
Related Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hot-button
Zack Sharf, Variety, 28 Apr. 2026
That announcement appeared to mark the culmination of a 36-year career spent using religion to discuss hot-button, complicated political issues to a church largely split along party lines.
—Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 24 Apr. 2026
Jenna Carlesso, Hartford Courant, 28 Feb. 2026
Missing from the speech were several hot button issues that have consumed his administration’s HHS over the last few months, including shifting vaccine mandates and major cuts to health and science funding.
—Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hot-button
Adjective
The Grammy winner spoke more in depth about her penchant for speaking out against ICE, billionaires and more hot-button political issues.
—Zack Sharf, Variety, 28 Apr. 2026
That announcement appeared to mark the culmination of a 36-year career spent using religion to discuss hot-button, complicated political issues to a church largely split along party lines.
—Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 24 Apr. 2026
Noun
The issue of private equity investment in health care facilities has been a hot button topic in Connecticut recently.
—Jenna Carlesso, Hartford Courant, 28 Feb. 2026
Missing from the speech were several hot button issues that have consumed his administration’s HHS over the last few months, including shifting vaccine mandates and major cuts to health and science funding.
—Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hot-button
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hot-button
Adjective
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This comes after a federal appeals court's April 21 decision to uphold a contentious Texas law requiring public school districts to display the Ten Commandments in classrooms, setting the stage for a potential Supreme Court fight.—
Mateo Rosiles,
USA Today,
7 May 2026
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Fiery moments from the governor’s debate Democratic frontrunners Xavier Becerra and billionaire Tom Steyer faced fierce attacks Wednesday during a contentious gubernatorial debate in Los Angeles.—
Deputy Managing Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
7 May 2026
Noun
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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
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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
Adjective
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Two postseasons ago, Joel Embiid rankled Knicks fans during a hyper-testy first-round series in which the Philadelphia 76ers star engaged in multiple controversial plays — none bigger than him pulling Mitchell Robinson to the ground.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
4 May 2026
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Prior attempts to update the 2024 law have been some of the most controversial efforts in the legislature, leading to high drama at both the end of the 2025 regular session and earning a place in the governor’s call for a special session last summer.—
Nick Coltrain,
Denver Post,
4 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hot-button.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hot-button. Accessed 8 May. 2026.
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