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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of lukewarm
On Wednesday, an analyst at Jefferies gave a lukewarm upgrade to hold from underperform.
—
Jason Gewirtz, CNBC, 3 July 2025
According to news stories, Macron was stung by the report’s lukewarm reception in Algeria.
—Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 2 June 2025
Then, mix a small amount of laundry detergent or mild soap in a bowl with lukewarm water, dip a shoe brush or clean toothbrush in the soapy liquid, and gently brush the shoes in the direction of the knit pattern.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 25 June 2025
This should be done with lukewarm water at least once a week.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for lukewarm
Jason Gewirtz, CNBC, 3 July 2025
According to news stories, Macron was stung by the report’s lukewarm reception in Algeria.
—Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 2 June 2025
Then, mix a small amount of laundry detergent or mild soap in a bowl with lukewarm water, dip a shoe brush or clean toothbrush in the soapy liquid, and gently brush the shoes in the direction of the knit pattern.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 25 June 2025
This should be done with lukewarm water at least once a week.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for lukewarm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lukewarm
Adjective
-
Here, guests and stylish locals alike graze on warm flatbreads, stacked club sandwiches, silky smoked salmon & cream cheese bagels, and sharing Seafood and Charcuterie boards—brimming with serrano ham, pillowy focaccia, smoked mackerel, and plump Atlantic prawns. Prefer a slower pace?—
Lewis Nunn,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2025
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Albeit simple, the guesthouse offers a hearty breakfast within a whimsical breakfast room featuring ample gluten-free options and warm staff eager to offer up tips and local recommendations to make the most of your stay.—
Monica Mendal,
Vogue,
1 July 2025
Adjective
-
Rub a little neutral oil (like vegetable oil) on the hamburger patties to jump-start the frying process.—
Li Goldstein,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
14 July 2025
-
Think neutral sheet sets and nightstands with clean lines to keep the headboard as the center of attention.—
Nashia Baker,
Architectural Digest,
14 July 2025
Adjective
-
In the days since his victory, Mamdani has faced attacks from Republicans and conservatives for his faith as a Muslim, been falsely labeled a communist, and received a tepid welcome from many mainstream Democrats.—
Eduardo Cuevas,
USA Today,
2 July 2025
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Real-time payments have been around since 2017 thanks to The Clearing House starting the RTP network that year, but only some banks have adopted the new tool, and those that have signed up have had tepid uptake in the marketplace.—
David G.W. Birch,
Forbes.com,
29 June 2025
Adjective
-
President Trump deployed the National Guard and U.S. Marines in the city days after the operation began amid heated protests.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 July 2025
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And because no Hamptons home is complete without a few luxe extras, the digs are outfitted with a heated pool, sauna, tennis court, gym, and a boat mooring.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
8 July 2025
Adjective
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That first orgasm, a brittle, unenthusiastic moan rippling as the A24 logo fills the screen, isn’t so much experienced as performed.—
Angelica Jade Bastién,
Vulture,
25 Apr. 2025
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Even an unenthusiastic attempt at mediation proved remarkably effective.—
Mihir Sharma,
Twin Cities,
14 May 2025
Adjective
-
One idea is that about a million years after the Big Bang, the universe cooled and underwent a phase transition, an event similar to how boiling water turns liquid into gas.—
Yasemin Saplakoglu,
Scientific American,
3 Mar. 2020
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If candy is still stuck on, pour more boiling water over whatever hasn’t come clean.—
Washington Post,
Washington Post,
3 Dec. 2019
Cite this Entry
“Lukewarm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lukewarm. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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