lukewarm

adjective

luke·​warm ˈlük-ˈwȯrm How to pronounce lukewarm (audio)
Synonyms of lukewarm
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

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Murakami’s below-average defense, propensity to strike out and weak contact against higher velocity led to a lukewarm market, with some questioning whether his profile could translate to MLB. — Johnny Flores Jr, New York Times, 26 July 2026 These studies are in turn fueling an increase in calls to study use of Ervebo in the outbreak zone in the DRC, an idea that the World Health Organization has expressed lukewarm support for to date. — Helen Branswell, STAT, 22 July 2026 Launder on a gentle cycle in lukewarm water (or cold if directions recommend). — Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 14 July 2026 Germs that cause food poisoning can grow quickly in lukewarm food. — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for lukewarm

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of lukewarm was in the 14th century

Rhymes for lukewarm

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Browse Nearby Words

Luke
lukewarm
lukewarmish
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Cite this Entry

“Lukewarm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lukewarm. Accessed 30 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

lukewarm

adjective
luke·​warm ˈlü-ˈkwȯ(ə)rm How to pronounce lukewarm (audio)
1
: mildly warm : tepid
a lukewarm bath
2
: not enthusiastic : indifferent
our plan got a lukewarm reception
lukewarmly adverb
lukewarmness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on lukewarm

Nglish: Translation of lukewarm for Spanish Speakers

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