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

Wu has been only lukewarm on the World Cup and is feuding with state officials on their plan to shut down Summer Street near South Station on days of the matches. —Joe Battenfeld, Boston Herald, 23 May 2026

Gentle cleanse with a fragrance-free, non-stripping cleanser (use hands, lukewarm water). —Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 18 May 2026

Even my husband, who is on the record as lukewarm on coleslaw, loved it. —Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 18 May 2026

As of writing time, analysts are largely lukewarm on Ford. —Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 18 May 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