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 Then, mix a few drops of dish soap (no more than 1/4 teaspoon) with two cups of lukewarm water. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 1 July 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 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 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
  • Extreme rainfall events like this are becoming more common as planet-warming pollution drives temperatures higher, because warmer air holds more moisture – which storms can then wring out like a water-laden sponge in heavy, localized downpours.
    — Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
  • Unlike its more exclusive neighbor properties, Daunt’s feels like a warm embrace and a breath of fresh air at the same time.
    — Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2026
Definition of warm
Adjective
  • Try tailored neutral floor-to-ceiling linen curtains or a simple Roman shade instead.
    — Kristin Hohenadel, The Spruce, 18 July 2026
  • Our current system, which is optimized for engagement, is not a neutral public square that helps people express their authentic selves.
    — Ravi Iyer, Time, 18 July 2026
Definition of neutral
Adjective
  • But after choosing to skip the team’s upcoming July 23 White House visit celebrating their 2026 World Series title, the utility veteran found himself at the center of a heated political debate.
    — Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2026
  • The rivalry between New York and Florida — and California and Florida, too — has also become heated as the wealthy have publicly criticized blue states and announced their decisions to relocate.
    — Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 21 July 2026
Definition of heated
Adjective
  • Retail sales in May posted their first monthly decline since late 2022, dragged down by tepid demand and merchants’ steep discounting.
    — Anniek Bao,Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 15 July 2026
  • Media buying executives describe this year’s market as tepid, and with spending potentially flat in several areas.
    — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 15 July 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 22 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on lukewarm

Nglish: Translation of lukewarm for Spanish Speakers

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