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

To avoid stripping and stiffening of the fabric, Holmes recommends washing comforters using mild detergent in cold or lukewarm water. —Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 28 Sep. 2025

Then, wash my clients’ hair in lukewarm water to remove the cap. —Essence, 24 Sep. 2025

There’s no more space for tepid or lukewarm content. —Zac Ntim, Deadline, 23 Sep. 2025

The same way this writer/director took a hard left from the on-screen career millions have assumed for him since birth, his own creation defies expectations and crafts something far more memorable than any lukewarm nepo debut. —Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 19 Sep. 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