hindsight

noun

hind·​sight ˈhīn(d)-ˌsīt 

: perception of the nature of an event after it has happened

In hindsight, it's clear there were alternatives.

Hindsight is twenty-twenty.

Examples of hindsight in a Sentence

It's easy for us to say that the war was wrong, but we have the advantage of hindsight.

Recent Examples on the Web

Something’s building between Nancy and Howard, and there’s a vibe between them that’s obvious to the audience — maybe in hindsight. —Arushi Jacob, Variety, 8 Apr. 2026

Although its military occupation by Indian troops in December 1961 raised a furor in many Western countries, in the hindsight of history, Nehru’s action is justifiable. —Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026

But those strong moments don’t evolve into one satisfying vision, instead leaving behind a disparate collection of original scenes that play more like window shopping in hindsight. —Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 25 Mar. 2026

Tagovailoa’s lack of availability became an even greater talking point; two days after the season, then-general manager Chris Grier delivered a message that looked prescient in hindsight. —Miami Herald, 9 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing hindsight

• twenty-twenty hindsight

Rhymes for hindsight

• affright
• airtight
• albite
• alight
• alright
• aplite
• aright
• bainite
• birthright
• bobwhite
• bornite
• bullfight

Kids Definition

hindsight

noun

hind·​sight ˈhīn(d)-ˌsīt 

: realization of the meaning or importance of an event only after it has happened