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Synonyms

lukewarm

American  
[look-wawrm] / ˈlukˈwɔrm /

adjective

  1. moderately warm; tepid.

  2. having or showing little ardor, zeal, or enthusiasm; indifferent.

    lukewarm applause.

    Synonyms:
    apathetic, cool, halfhearted

lukewarm British  
/ ˌluːkˈwɔːm /

adjective

  1. (esp of water) moderately warm; tepid

  2. having or expressing little enthusiasm or conviction

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • lukewarmly adverb
  • lukewarmness noun
  • lukewarmth noun

Etymology

Origin of lukewarm

1350–1400; Middle English lukewarme tepid, equivalent to luke tepid (unexplained alteration of lew, Old English gehlēow tepid) + warme warm

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The business plan that Lovaglio recently outlined for the combined group, which includes the delisting of Mediobanca and a set of financial targets through 2030, got a lukewarm reception from investors.

From The Wall Street Journal

Ruben Amorim was the first to call him into the senior training squad, even if his response to Gabriel's presence was lukewarm.

From BBC

I asked for an ice cube for my lukewarm California Sauvignon Blanc at one point.

From The Wall Street Journal

She reached for the pot anyway, but the mug that accompanied it was cracked; lukewarm coffee started seeping onto her fingers.

From Literature

The lukewarm response from European capitals came after Japan and Australia voiced similar sentiments earlier Monday, with Canberra noting it would not be sending a navy ship to the Strait of Hormuz.

From Barron's