second-guess

verb

sec·​ond-guess ˌse-kᵊŋ-ˈges 

-kən(d)-

second-guessed; second-guessing; second-guesses

transitive verb

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

second-guesser noun

Examples of second-guess in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

McKibben cautions that if they’re dismissed, minimized or controlled, the child walks away second-guessing themselves. —Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025

After Teddy second-guessed their plan, the doctors pulled it off and ultimately saved Nora. —Stephanie Wenger, People.com, 16 May 2025

Mitch Emerson, the executive director of Florida Decides Healthcare, said the law has already impacted their campaign and has volunteers second-guessing their participation. —Romy Ellenbogen, Miami Herald, 5 May 2025

Trader Joe’s joins the growing list of companies recalling products this year, giving customers another reason to second-guess their grocery lists. —Moná Thomas, People.com, 2 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1941, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

second-guess

verb

sec·​ond-guess

ˌsek-ᵊŋ-ˈges,

-ən-

1

: to question or criticize actions or decisions of (someone) often after the results of those actions or decisions are known

2

: predict

second-guesser noun