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

Many in Democratic circles questioned the wisdom of Barack Obama calling out Black men for being lukewarm on Harris out of latent sexism. —Philip Eliott / Detroit, TIME, 4 Nov. 2024

The ad refuses—just as Trump himself refuses—to leave its watchers lukewarm. —Vinson Cunningham, The New Yorker, 1 Nov. 2024

Apple reported a beat on both earnings and revenues; however, net income was down following a payment related to a tax decision in Europe and the company delivered a lukewarm forecast on iPhone sales. —Jj Kinahan, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024

Yes, but: Republican Utahns have been famously lukewarm on Trump, which may drive down turnout. —Erin Alberty, Axios, 24 Oct. 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