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

Close calls are rebroadcast, and the strike zone is superimposed on the screen, allowing fans to second-guess every ball and strike. —Kim Elsesser, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025

However, no one with 104 in their pocket second-guesses that selection. —Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Aug. 2025

Hyde Tyler then also encountered Wednesday, but appeared to second-guess himself and simply tossed her through a window, knocking her unconscious instead of killing her. —Megan McCluskey, Time, 6 Aug. 2025

The same former aide questioned why Trump allies are second-guessing Kemp’s political instincts. —Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 1 Aug. 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