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

Let cool slightly until chocolate is lukewarm, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 28 Dec. 2025

But that idea of a columbarium for burial urns received lukewarm support from his colleagues and residents who spoke at the recent council meeting. —Victoria Le, Oc Register, 24 Dec. 2025

The company's monthly sales have also been lukewarm, with a pullback in non-food purchases. —Paulina Likos, CNBC, 20 Dec. 2025

And on Capitol Hill, the idea of rebate checks have been met with lukewarm responses, even from some Republicans. —Christopher Cann, USA Today, 20 Dec. 2025

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
• multiforme
• outperform
• piriform

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