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

Wall Street analysts were lukewarm on Venu, noting that the hardcore fan who watches sports is willing to pay for a traditional TV subscription that provides a full slate of channels and events. —Stephen Battaglio, Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2025

Vegas Golden Knights The model was extremely lukewarm on Vegas’ chances going into the season. —Dom Luszczyszyn, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025

While Aspinall has been asking for a unification bout for some time, Jones has been lukewarm on the idea, at least when speaking to the media. —Trent Reinsmith, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025

Support for tariffs is also more lukewarm with 27% backing them outright and 24% saying it can be done later in the term. —Steve Liesman, CNBC, 15 Dec. 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