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

The Supreme Court tries to avoid second-guessing state courts' interpretations of their own constitutions. —ABC News, 11 May 2026

The Supreme Court tries to avoid second-guessing state courts’ interpretations of their own constitutions. —Lindsay Whitehurst, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2026

In her case, shows were sold out and going for high prices on the secondary market, so her explanation of health issues was one case in which fans were not second-guessing commercial reasons. —Chris Willman, Variety, 4 May 2026

When the whole look is wrinkle-resistant, there’s nothing to second-guess. —Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 2 May 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