Phrase guide

cold read

noun · verb · 4 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

noun

Meaning 1

An act of cold reading.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • This is an example of what magicians (and unfortunately phony psychics) call a "cold read".

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To infer characteristics of (a person) using cold reading.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

To make inferences about a person using the practice of cold reading.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: intransitive

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

4

verb

Meaning 4

To perform (a script) without preparation.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: intransitive, transitive

Topics: acting, broadcasting, education, entertainment, film, lifestyle, media, television, theater

Examples

  • At the audition you will be required to cold read a script.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.