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

• 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

Florida’s Republican lawmakers, who would have to pass a law removing the requirements, have been lukewarm to the idea. —Lawrence Mower, Miami Herald, 12 Sep. 2025

The White House request for kicking this month’s government shutdown deadline into next year is drawing a lukewarm reception from some GOP spending cardinals. —Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 11 Sep. 2025

While Venice was keen on del Toro’s latest, Variety film critic Peter Debruge was lukewarm. —Jack Dunn, Variety, 10 Sep. 2025

Physical asset allure However, Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, argued the response to a digital form of gold may receive a lukewarm or even negative response from market participants. —Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 7 Sep. 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