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

Oliver gives Lilly some key words that make her second-guess the plan. —Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Mar. 2026

Oliver gives Lilly some key words that force her to second-guess her decision. —Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 25 Mar. 2026

Sauer pointed to a provision in the 1990 law that says judges have no authority to second-guess the government’s decision to end it. —Los Angeles Times, 16 Mar. 2026

The moon’s clash with Venus is to blame for second-guessing your departure. —Usa Today, USA Today, 12 Mar. 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