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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of lukewarm
Journey got a lukewarm fan reaction on Tuesday.
—
Joe Mutascio, IndyStar, 19 Mar. 2026
At least two others gave lukewarm responses when asked about the idea by reporters.
—Tami Luhby, CNN Money, 17 Mar. 2026
Republican operatives have pointed to Kim’s lukewarm support of the president in previous years.
—Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 9 Mar. 2026
Heat in microwave, 30 seconds or so at a time, until lukewarm (not hot).
—Barbara Ellis, Denver Post, 9 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lukewarm
Joe Mutascio, IndyStar, 19 Mar. 2026
At least two others gave lukewarm responses when asked about the idea by reporters.
—Tami Luhby, CNN Money, 17 Mar. 2026
Republican operatives have pointed to Kim’s lukewarm support of the president in previous years.
—Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 9 Mar. 2026
Heat in microwave, 30 seconds or so at a time, until lukewarm (not hot).
—Barbara Ellis, Denver Post, 9 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lukewarm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lukewarm
Adjective
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The Inn stays shut during winter and ‘pack ice’ season, which some locals will tell you is the most beautiful time of all—for snowmobiling and snowshoeing through the Island’s interior by day, and come evening, getting invited into someone's warm shed for a tipple and a chat.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 Apr. 2026
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In 2001, the couple, who did not have children, retired to Miami in search of warmer beaches.—
Carol Marbin Miller,
Miami Herald,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Fewer qubits, faster future The researchers tackled this problem using neutral atom systems, where atoms act as qubits and are arranged using laser beams known as optical tweezers.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
1 Apr. 2026
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Pair it with matching black or nude heels for a neutral color scheme, or use your shoes to make a statement with a pop of color in a spring wedding guest look.—
Caley Sturgill,
Southern Living,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Sweeney Bell had a tepid response, however, to a recent controversy in which dozens of local Democrats were kicked off the ballot for breaking an Indiana Democratic Party rule.—
Jordan Smith,
IndyStar,
26 Mar. 2026
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That effort has seen very tepid backing, though 22 countries have signed onto a statement expressing their willingness to help reopen the key waterway.—
Zach LaChance,
The Washington Examiner,
23 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The grounds lean into a romantic, almost pastoral mood, with wildflower gardens, a freeform heated pool, and both a guest cottage and a finished pool house.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
27 Mar. 2026
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Bake on the middle rack of the heated oven until the top is puffed and lightly golden and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes.—
Georgeanne Brennan,
Mercury News,
26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Some advocacy groups are unenthusiastic.—
Meg Tirrell,
CNN Money,
31 Mar. 2026
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The administration of President Donald Trump is unenthusiastic about EVs compared the previous Biden administration.—
Bill Koenig,
Forbes.com,
26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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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
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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
Adjective
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Alex Bregman was the one who got away, the All-Star third baseman the club tried to sign in spring training with a halfhearted contract proposal that would be rejected.—
Patrick Mooney,
New York Times,
11 Jan. 2026
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The closest Alex and Tess get to a custody battle is a halfhearted chat about who gets the armoire.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
12 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lukewarm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lukewarm. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
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