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

In response to that case, a biotech CEO recently warned in these pages that letting courts and politicians second-guess the FDA’s scientific judgment endangers the whole drug pipeline. — Julie F. Kay, STAT, 25 Sep. 2026

At work, wardrobe fittings suddenly meant second-guessing fabrics and layers in case of hot flashes on and off camera. — Partner Content, Variety, 23 Sep. 2026

One aspect of Lamont’s energy policy that Fazio declined to second-guess was the decision to sign a deal with Millstone, which was opposed by some Republicans at the time. — John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 18 Sep. 2026

On Friday, Boone shared similar sentiments when asked if there was any second-guessing Judge’s rehab plans. — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 18 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1941, in the meaning defined at sense 2

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