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 final slot could go to Kerry Washington for Imperfect Women, a series that was met with a lukewarm reception, or Tessa Thompson for the very popular Netflix series, His & Hers. — Rebecca Ford, Vanity Fair, 25 June 2026

The new head coach was met with lukewarm approval, despite twice being named NBA Coach of the Year and leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to the NBA Finals in 2007. — Alexa Herrera, CBS News, 18 June 2026

Soak the seeds in lukewarm water for 24 to 48 hours. — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 15 June 2026

Colleagues teased her about the lukewarm beverage. — Ann Larson, Time, 11 June 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
• outperform
• piriform
• plexiform

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