1
: moderately warm : lukewarm
a tepid bath
2
a
: lacking in passion, force, or zest
tepid poetry
b
: marked by an absence of enthusiasm or conviction
a tepid interest
a tepid response
Examples of tepid in a Sentence
He gave a tepid performance.
My suggestion was given a tepid response.
Recent Examples on the Web
Still, China’s broader growth trajectory has flattened, weighed down by a prolonged property crisis, declined investment, tepid consumption and deflation.
—
John Liu, CNN Money, 5 Mar. 2026
In all, McTavish has 13 goals and 31 points in 54 games, thus far not rekindling the consistency or menace of his stretch run after a tepid first half last season.
—Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 2 Mar. 2026
Though their point total placed them near the thick of a tepid Pacific Division, the Kings had fewer wins than only five of the NHL’s 32 teams.
—Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 1 Mar. 2026
As Rhule, entering his fourth year, hired or promoted eight assistant coaches, the tepid fan response to the moves reflects concerns about direction in various areas.
—Mitch Sherman, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tepid
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John Liu, CNN Money, 5 Mar. 2026
In all, McTavish has 13 goals and 31 points in 54 games, thus far not rekindling the consistency or menace of his stretch run after a tepid first half last season.
—Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 2 Mar. 2026
Though their point total placed them near the thick of a tepid Pacific Division, the Kings had fewer wins than only five of the NHL’s 32 teams.
—Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 1 Mar. 2026
As Rhule, entering his fourth year, hired or promoted eight assistant coaches, the tepid fan response to the moves reflects concerns about direction in various areas.
—Mitch Sherman, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tepid
Cite this Entry
“Tepid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tepid. Accessed 6 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
tepid
adjective
tep·id
ˈtep-əd 
1
: lukewarm
a tepid bath
2
: lacking enthusiasm or conviction : halfhearted
a tepid response
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