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

Rinse with lukewarm water until the water runs clear. —Jenny Berg, Vogue, 11 Mar. 2025

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends using lukewarm water rather than hot or cold water when washing your face. —Sherri Gordon, Health, 6 Mar. 2025

Schoen came off as lukewarm about the overall quarterback class so far, though. —Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 25 Feb. 2025

Before Liverpool’s visit, Villa’s 2024-25 Premier League campaign had been lukewarm. —Jacob Tanswell, The Athletic, 19 Feb. 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