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

• heated
• hottish
• tepid
• toasty
• warm
• warmed
• warmish

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 clean fabric items like clothing or table linens, mix a solution of 1 quart lukewarm water, 1/2 tsp. —Jessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Dec. 2024

Create the Washing Solution Fill a sink or plastic tub with tepid or lukewarm water. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 7 Dec. 2024

Kellogg’s selection garnered lukewarm early reactions from some focused on maintaining robust U.S. support for Ukraine. —Laura Kelly, The Hill, 27 Nov. 2024

But Test cricket could be effectively extinguished if not for mighty India's overwhelming support of the format despite lukewarm interest back home. —Tristan Lavalette, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024

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

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