premeditated
word · lemma: premeditate
Definition
If something is premeditated, it is planned or thought about before it happens, rather than being spontaneous. Often used about crimes or actions that are carefully prepared in advance.
Usage & Nuances
'Premeditated' is formal and appears mostly in legal, academic, or news contexts, especially relating to crimes (e.g., 'premeditated murder'). It emphasizes prior planning, even a short time before the action. Not used for positive actions.
Example Sentences
It was a premeditated attack.
basic
The judge said the actions were premeditated.
basic
He was found guilty of premeditated murder, not just a crime of passion.
natural
Nothing about their plan was accidental; it was all premeditated.
natural
The crime was premeditated by the suspect.
basic
She insisted the incident wasn’t premeditated, but the evidence showed careful planning.
natural