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

Drain the soapy water and refill the tub with clean, lukewarm water. —Katie Cloyd, Martha Stewart, 22 Apr. 2026

The first season was lukewarm, but ratings heated up in season 2 when Heather Locklear became a series regular. —Andrea Lavinthal, PEOPLE, 22 Apr. 2026

Polling finds Americans still feel they are overtaxed Despite the value of tax breaks, public reaction has been lukewarm. —Bart Jansen, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2026

Even among Jews in America, the Pew poll found lukewarm 64% approval of Israel. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 17 Apr. 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