tepid

adjective

ˈte-pəd How to pronounce tepid (audio)
Definition of tepidnext
1
as in neutral
showing little or no interest or enthusiasm the proposed table tennis club met with only a tepid response

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in warm
having or giving off heat to a moderate degree make sure the water for the footbath is just tepid or you'll burn yourself

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 tepid Media buying executives describe this year’s market as tepid, and with spending potentially flat in several areas. — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 15 July 2026 June’s tepid hiring comes after a relative surge in job gains the previous three months, countering concerns that the war in Iran could trip up an already wobbly labor market. — ABC News, 9 July 2026 His obvious wig — made even more obvious since the actor is quite famously bald — still has more vivacity than the film’s tepid choreography. — Gregory Nussen, Deadline, 8 July 2026 The film currently holds a 90% on Rotten Tomatoes, though audiences are a bit more tepid, giving it a 75%. — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for tepid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tepid
  1. neutral
  2. warm
  3. lukewarm
  4. heated
  5. halfhearted
  6. unenthusiastic
Adjective
  • Bitcoin’s credibility comes from open participation and neutral settlement.
    — Sean Lee, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • Think retro sneakers in neutral colors, mesh flats with arch support for sightseeing, and dressier flip-flops for completing a vacation-ready outfit.
    — Anna Popp, Travel + Leisure, 26 July 2026
Definition of neutral
Adjective
  • Sets can be planted in containers when the soil is 60ºF or warmer.
    — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 22 July 2026
  • Her family, who emigrated from the Congo, described her smile as warm, her demeanor as gentle.
    — Caitlin McGlade, Charlotte Observer, 22 July 2026
Definition of warm
Adjective
  • Launder on a gentle cycle in lukewarm water (or cold if directions recommend).
    — Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 14 July 2026
  • Germs that cause food poisoning can grow quickly in lukewarm food.
    — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
Definition of lukewarm
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
  • But when Kore-eda’s execution isn’t as assured, as is the case with his latest, all that delicacy simply floats off into the ether, rarely amounting to much more than a halfhearted shrug.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 24 July 2026
  • 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
Definition of halfhearted
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

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tenures
tepid
tepidity
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Cite this Entry

“Tepid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tepid. Accessed 28 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on tepid

Nglish: Translation of tepid for Spanish Speakers

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