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.
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
A lukewarm vote of confidence in Borthwick was issued by the Rugby Football Union the day after England's first defeat by Italy.
From BBC • Mar. 14, 2026
Several names were floated to lead from the right, including Jair's third wife and former first lady of Brazil Michelle Bolsonaro -- who faced family criticism for lukewarm support of her stepson, Flavio.
From Barron's • Mar. 11, 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
It feels like a balloon half filled with water, or like lukewarm oatmeal porridge.
From "Cat's Eye" by Margaret Atwood
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.
