cold call 1 of 2

Definition of cold callnext

cold-call

2 of 2

verb

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of cold call
Noun
Older generations, who have lived in a time when traditional phone calls were the primary means of communication (and spam), tend to be more susceptible to cold calls, which can lead to their victimization. Karen Koehler, Miami Herald, 24 Feb. 2026 Netflix Advertisement Some of Hersh’s biggest stories, like his investigation into the My Lai Massacre, came from cold call tips and roaming the halls of the Pentagon as a reporter for the Associated Press. Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 19 Dec. 2025
Verb
That struggle led the team to cold-call shelters around the nation. Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 15 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cold call
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cold call
Noun
  • The story is constructed around a love connection made when candid voicemails sent by a grieving San Francisco prep cook wind up in the ear of the wrong person — a cute guy in Austin.
    Randy Myers, Mercury News, 24 June 2026
  • Under the guidance of writer-director Leah McKendrick, the premise is all about voicemail mixups as its key device.
    Pete Hammond, Deadline, 18 June 2026
Verb
  • The average taxpayer who telephoned the IRS during tax season this year spent 14 minutes on hold, the advocate reports.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 27 June 2026
  • Albert telephoned Breen right after.
    Andrew Marchand, New York Times, 29 May 2026
Noun
  • When firefighters are deployed, the support crew hosts a conference call — every night at the same time — to update families on the disaster operation and reassure them that the search and rescue members are safe.
    Seamus Bozeman Follow, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
  • The state originally proposed these rules in April for approval in May, but those measures were postponed and taken off of the agenda until Tuesday's meeting, which was a conference call.
    CBS Miami Team, CBS News, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • The writers want to have the same quality and reward the intelligence of the fans and never phone a single thing in.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
  • Anonymous tips may be phoned in to Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.
    City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 July 2026
Noun
  • The juxtaposition of the two messages illuminates the deepening faultlines and anxieties within the technological competition between the US and China, which the rapid rise of AI is only deepening.
    Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 17 July 2026
  • This story is based on dozens of interviews with Jean, her friends and colleagues, law enforcement officials, psychologists, academics and experts in the field of romance scams, as well as a review of more than 10,000 messages.
    Juliet Linderman, Fortune, 16 July 2026
Verb
  • But so much of this is just generically extreme splatter dialed up to 11.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 10 July 2026
  • But with the World Cup, everybody is dialed into the same event.
    T.M. Brown, CNN Money, 8 July 2026
Noun
  • For the 20th season, a callback to her first-ever tagline and also her greatest catchphrase is pretty genius.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 17 July 2026
  • Even Fitz-Gerald’s locker is a callback to his mom’s doctrines.
    Spencer Nusbaum, New York Times, 10 July 2026
Verb
  • Most famously, in 1966 the trophy was found underneath a hedge by a dog called Pickles a week after thieves had taken it from Westminster Central Hall, London, following England’s victory.
    Eduardo Tansley, New York Times, 19 July 2026
  • Also, this year all three nights will just be called the Emmys.
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 18 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Cold call.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cold%20call. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

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