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

And last month, the idea for a burial place at the Great Park raised by Agran once again received lukewarm support from his colleagues and from residents who addressed the dais. —Victoria Le, Oc Register, 12 Jan. 2026

This commitment marks a dramatic shift from Chicago’s lukewarm pursuit last February, when the Ricketts family ownership group authorized team president Jed Hoyer to offer Bregman a four-year, $115 million contract. —Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 11 Jan. 2026

Drain out the dirty water, then refill with clean, lukewarm water and give the scarf a few more swishes. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 8 Jan. 2026

Mamdani’s condemnation was lukewarm at best. —Rabbi Steve Roth, Sun Sentinel, 6 Jan. 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
• 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