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

Delicate produce including berries, tomatoes—anything that's thin-skinned—should be washed under running lukewarm water. —Amy Brightfield, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Aug. 2025

Wash the vase and refill it with fresh, lukewarm water and flower preservative, or use 1 to 3 teaspoons of sugar. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 7 Aug. 2025

This lukewarm reception extends beyond a single journalist’s review. —Brandi D. Addison, Austin American Statesman, 17 July 2025

Though the fantastical tale of an optimistic man regaining faith in humanity on Christmas Eve was initially met with lukewarm reviews and a lackluster box office performance, the film has since become an American classic, especially during the holidays. —Andrew McGowan, Variety, 14 July 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