AFORETHOUGHT Synonyms: 52 Similar and Opposite Words

aforethought

adjective

Definition of aforethought

as in premeditated

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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 aforethought Had Styles — either completely by accident or with malice aforethought — unleashed a mouthful of spit upon his elder co-star? — Vulture, 7 Sep. 2022 Depraved-indifference murder is not supposed to be a sleight-of-hand that elevates manslaughter to murder, or that effectively turns an unintentional killing into an intentional murder by substituting depraved indifference for malice aforethought. — Andrew C. McCarthy, National Review, 7 Mar. 2021 The media have medical specialists on call who will quickly second guess every non-disclosure, often with political malice aforethought. — The Editorial Board, WSJ, 4 Oct. 2020 In December, Newman pleaded guilty to second-degree murder with malice aforethought. — Christine Pelisek, PEOPLE.com, 9 July 2020

Recent Examples of Synonyms for aforethought

Adjective

In 1842, the appellate court reduced the offense from a premeditated breach of duty to a negligent one, acquitted Ebel of founding a sect, and quashed his confinement.

— Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026
Reddington asked the judge to find Clancy not guilty or reduce the charges from premeditated first-degree murder to second-degree murder.

— Aaron Parseghian, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of premeditated

Adjective

What The Band Has Done Well The pacing was patient, and that patience appears deliberate.

— Olivia Shalhoup, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
The encounter affirmed that things were falling into place, Lee said, adding that moments like that must be accompanied by deliberate and strategic work.

— April Quevedo, jsonline.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of deliberate

Adjective

On TikTok, little treat culture has become shorthand for turning tiny everyday purchases into something that feels earned and intentional.

— Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 24 Aug. 2026
Colored Light Bulbs and Lava Lamps Colored bulbs and lava lamps may conjure images of ’90s bedrooms, but nostalgic lighting is returning in a more intentional way.

— Angelika Pokovba, Martha Stewart, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of intentional

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aforesaid

aforethought

afraid

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“Aforethought.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aforethought. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of aforethought

adjective

Example Sentences

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