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.
Whether the loss of Jason Arday has prompted any self-reflection for a notoriously ruthless industry remains to be seen, but the headlines about the Sussexes’ move back to Britain have been — so far — surprisingly lukewarm. — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 1 Sep. 2026 Despite its initial lukewarm reception upon its 1975 release, The Rocky Horror Picture Show has become a cult classic and has screened regularly across the world for more than five decades. — Skyler Trepel, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026 Toy Story 4 got a Best Animated Feature nomination despite lukewarm reception and a smaller box-office take. — Joe Reid, Vulture, 25 Aug. 2026 The deal got a lukewarm reception from investors in June but is nonetheless considered a strategic pivot for Fox into streaming distribution. — Lillian Rizzo, CNBC, 24 Aug. 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 3 Sep. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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