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

Then, mix a small amount of laundry detergent or mild soap in a bowl with lukewarm water, dip a shoe brush or clean toothbrush in the soapy liquid, and gently brush the shoes in the direction of the knit pattern. —Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 25 June 2025

This should be done with lukewarm water at least once a week. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 23 June 2025

Finish vigorous workouts by late afternoon; follow with a lukewarm shower an hour before bed to create a rebound cooling effect. —Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025

After applying a mask, leave it on for the time recommended on product label, and gently rinse off with lukewarm water before lightly patting your skin dry with a washcloth. —Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 9 June 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