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

The insulated design means no condensation puddles and no lukewarm sips, ever. —Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 12 Dec. 2025

Set your laundry for cold or lukewarm water (never hot), since heat can destabilize the pigment and reduce its whitening effect. —Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 11 Dec. 2025

Imagine using it like a tortilla chip to scoop up a loose, lukewarm porridge studded with corn and undercooked onion. —Adam Erace, Bon Appetit Magazine, 11 Dec. 2025

This mug warmer actually includes the mug, too, and has four temperature settings that range from lukewarm to steaming hot. —Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 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