lukewarm

adjective

luke·​warm ˈlük-ˈwȯrm 

1

: moderately warm : tepid

a lukewarm bath

lukewarm coffee

2

: lacking conviction : half-hearted

gave them only lukewarm support

a lukewarm review

lukewarm applause

lukewarmly adverb

lukewarmness noun

Synonyms of lukewarm

• warm
• warmed
• heated
• tepid
• boiling

Examples of lukewarm in a Sentence

I hate drinking lukewarm coffee.

Our plan got a lukewarm reception.

The producer was lukewarm about her script.

Recent Examples on the Web

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

On the day after Butch died, Will stood on the covered porch holding a cup of lukewarm coffee and looking out at the small pasture where his two white horses grazed. — Emily Ruskovich, The Atlantic, 7 July 2026

Water that is the right temperature will be cool or lukewarm. — Molly Burford, Southern Living, 6 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from luke lukewarm + warm; probably akin to Old High German lāo lukewarm — more at lee

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for lukewarm

• chloroform
• coliform
• cribriform
• cruciform
• filiform
• fusiform
• isoform
• microform
• multiform
• outperform
• piriform
• plexiform

Kids Definition

lukewarm

adjective

luke·​warm ˈlü-ˈkwȯ(ə)rm 

1

: mildly warm : tepid

a lukewarm bath

2

: not enthusiastic : indifferent

our plan got a lukewarm reception

lukewarmly adverb

lukewarmness noun