lukewarm
Americanadjective
-
moderately warm; tepid.
-
having or showing little ardor, zeal, or enthusiasm; indifferent.
lukewarm applause.
- Synonyms:
- apathetic, cool, halfhearted
adjective
-
(esp of water) moderately warm; tepid
-
having or expressing little enthusiasm or conviction
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.
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 • Mar. 19, 2026
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 • Mar. 16, 2026
Few things are more disappointing than a dish that was clearly meant to be served warm but arrives in a vague state of lukewarm uncertainty.
From Salon • Mar. 15, 2026
The strategy, which received a lukewarm reception from investors, weighed on its stock price on the day.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 5, 2026
Despite Fuller’s lukewarm endorsement of the vigil, he was suspicious of whites’ commitment.
From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
