sec·ond-guess | \ ˌse-kᵊŋ-ˈges 
, -kən(d)- \
, -kən(d)- \second-guessed; second-guessing; second-guesses
Definition of second-guess
1 : to criticize or question actions or decisions of (someone) often after the results of those actions or decisions are known
meet almost every morning and, over coffee, second-guess the local coach— Bruce Newman also : to engage in such criticism of (an action or decision) second-guess the general's strategy
2 : to seek to anticipate or predict
lived royally by his ability to second-guess the stock market — Time
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
More Definitions for second-guess
second-guess
verbEnglish Language Learners Definition of second-guess
US : to criticize or question the actions or decisions of someone
: to try to guess or predict what (someone or something) will do
See the full definition for second-guess in the English Language Learners Dictionary
Comments on second-guess
What made you want to look up second-guess? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Words of Snow and Ice Quiz
- Which of the following refers to thin, bending ice, or to the act of running over such ice?
Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZ
Anagram puzzles meet word search.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
- Words of Snow and Ice Quiz
A selection of words from the chillier parts of t...
Take the quiz - Name that Thing: Toys and Games Edition
It's all fun and games until someone beats your h...
Take the quiz - True or False?
Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something a...
Take the quiz - SCRABBLE® Sprint
SCRABBLE® fans, sharpen your skills!
Play the game
Share second-guess
Time Traveler for second-guess
The first known use of second-guess was in 1941
See more words from the same year