lukewarm

adjective

ˈlük-ˈwȯrm How to pronounce lukewarm (audio)
Definition of lukewarmnext
1
as in warm
having or giving off heat to a moderate degree I left the bowl of soup sitting on the counter too long, and now it's lukewarm

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in neutral
showing little or no interest or enthusiasm the dentist's lecture on the merits of flossing got only a lukewarm response

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 lukewarm The final slot could go to Kerry Washington for Imperfect Women, a series that was met with a lukewarm reception, or Tessa Thompson for the very popular Netflix series, His & Hers. — Rebecca Ford, Vanity Fair, 25 June 2026 The new head coach was met with lukewarm approval, despite twice being named NBA Coach of the Year and leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to the NBA Finals in 2007. — Alexa Herrera, CBS News, 18 June 2026 Tracking services told Deadline as summer kicked off that Supergirl, along with Amazon MGM Studios’ bomb Masters of the Universe and Universal/Amblin’s Disclosure Day, were key event films that were extremely lukewarm in their word of mouth. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 29 June 2026 But even as Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senate Democrats’ campaign arm extend a lukewarm embrace, there remains a greater reluctance among some to champion Platner in the way Republicans quickly did for Paxton after months of vehemently opposing him. — Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for lukewarm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lukewarm
  1. warm
  2. neutral
  3. heated
  4. tepid
  5. boiling
  6. unenthusiastic
  7. halfhearted
Adjective
  • Goodson explains that pomegranates thrive in warm climates and are widely enjoyed around the world.
    — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • Mallorca In fall, the crowds in Mallorca dissipate, the sea stays warm, and the impossible restaurant reservation opens up.
    — Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of warm
Adjective
  • On the other side, the plumbing is being pushed toward neutral ground.
    — Janakiram MSV, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
  • For a more understated look, classic French tips, neutral ombré, and sheer pink designs offer a polished finish without feeling too bold.
    — Rebecca Norris, InStyle, 5 July 2026
Definition of neutral
Adjective
  • Other players have covered their mouths while speaking to opponents during the World Cup, but a red card is only issued if the conversation occurs during a confrontation or heated exchange.
    — Eduard Cauich, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
  • The living room has hardwood floors and beamed ceilings; the kitchen includes a peninsula and a sitting area that opens to a balcony; and the primary suite features a bath with heated floors.
    — The Week US, TheWeek, 30 June 2026
Definition of heated
Adjective
  • Rotten Tomatoes Reception to Netflix’s rendition of The Last Airbender has always been tepid.
    — Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • The film’s reviews range from negative to tepid praise (averaging a 58 percent Rotten Tomatoes score).
    — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 26 June 2026
Definition of tepid
Adjective
  • More humane methods of killing lobsters pre-boiling include a sharp knife through the head, electrical stunning, or freezing.
    — semafor.com, semafor.com, 29 Dec. 2025
  • Agrawal and her team studied ionic liquids — salts that are liquid at sub-boiling temperatures (below 212 degrees Fahrenheit, or 100 degrees Celsius) — as a potential hospitable environment for life.
    — Stefanie Waldek, Space.com, 13 Aug. 2025
Definition of boiling
Adjective
  • Some previous supporters remain unenthusiastic about another run for president.
    — Juhi Doshi, ABC News, 8 June 2026
  • Ultimately the question is whether Hardy, Glasser and Butterworth can patch things up especially since Hardy was already unenthusiastic about returning for Season 3 due to his conflict with Butterworth.
    — K.J. Yossman, Variety, 28 May 2026
Definition of unenthusiastic
Adjective
  • Serena looked down, heaved a sigh and hooked her knee around the pole before mustering up a halfhearted spin.
    — Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026
  • In a game that Switzerland dominated for the majority of the time, only some halfhearted chants by the Swiss superfans in the second deck cut through.
    — Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 13 June 2026
Definition of halfhearted

Browse Nearby Words

lugubriously
lukewarm
lukewarmly
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Cite this Entry

“Lukewarm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lukewarm. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on lukewarm

Nglish: Translation of lukewarm for Spanish Speakers

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