as in hot button
Related Words
Relevance
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 third rail
Centering African-American stories and characters, DuVernay’s films frequently come into contact with the third rails of American history, such as incarceration, segregation and slavery.
—
Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 May 2025
Social Security is the third rail of American politics
Social Security advocates say Trump and Musk, the tech billionaire, are learning a lesson absorbed by many politicians and policy wonks before them.
—Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2025
But that doesn’t make the subject any less the third rail for nearly everybody in the SNL orbit.
—Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 16 Apr. 2025
Goalie interference is the third rail of the NHL, the most gray area the league has to judge — just look at the end of the second period, when Anders Lee’s goal was upheld on a Columbus challenge after some jostling with Blue Jackets goalie Elvis Merzlikins.
—Arthur Staple, The Athletic, 25 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for third rail
Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 May 2025
Social Security is the third rail of American politics
Social Security advocates say Trump and Musk, the tech billionaire, are learning a lesson absorbed by many politicians and policy wonks before them.
—Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2025
But that doesn’t make the subject any less the third rail for nearly everybody in the SNL orbit.
—Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 16 Apr. 2025
Goalie interference is the third rail of the NHL, the most gray area the league has to judge — just look at the end of the second period, when Anders Lee’s goal was upheld on a Columbus challenge after some jostling with Blue Jackets goalie Elvis Merzlikins.
—Arthur Staple, The Athletic, 25 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for third rail
Recent Examples of Synonyms for third rail
Noun
-
Several hot button political issues are likely to drive the debate over spending as the spring legislative session goes on.—
Addison Wright,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Feb. 2025
-
The region has been a hot button political issue in both countries.—
Evan Clark,
WWD,
16 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
The combination of financial illiteracy and problematic money management leads many to be unaware of the ticking time bombs which underlie their financial circumstances.—
Hersh Shefrin,
Forbes.com,
6 July 2025
-
The time bomb is ticking—and consumers should begin bracing for the explosion.—
Nicholas Creel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 June 2025
Noun
-
Eddington, Ari Aster’s latest, is a nouveau western, which follows the clash between a small-town Sheriff in New Mexico (Phoenix) and a mayor (Pascal) during Covid when powder keg socio-political issues were ramping up during the first President Donald Trump term.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
3 July 2025
-
The rift between Carlson and Cruz demonstrates that even among President Trump’s biggest supporters, there’s been considerable debate about how the U.S. should deal with the powder keg situation that escalated Friday when Israel launched airstrikes against Iran’s nuclear and military facilities.—
Brian Niemietz,
New York Daily News,
18 June 2025
Noun
-
Who would have thought Oklahoma City would become a flash point of foot fashion.—
Steve Henson,
Los Angeles Times,
25 June 2025
-
Changes to Medicaid benefits and new work requirements will mean higher healthcare costs and less eligibility, creating a flash point in the broader debate over the bill.—
Ramsey Touchberry,
The Washington Examiner,
15 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Third rail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://x0upouf933.proxynodejs.usequeue.com/thesaurus/third%20rail. Accessed 13 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share