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

• heated
• hottish
• tepid
• toasty
• warm
• warmed
• warmish

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

Commerzbank has given a more lukewarm response to the merger proposals. —April Roach, CNBC, 19 Sep. 2024

And Silicon Valley has had been lukewarm at best to the Democrats, not because of the climate issues, but more because of antitrust and other regulatory issues. —Fortune Editors, Fortune, 19 Sep. 2024

But a poll conducted during the summer found voters were lukewarm on the ballot measure. —Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2024

But campaigners there say authorities are lukewarm on the need for change. —Chris Lau, CNN, 13 Sep. 2024

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

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