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 the ongoing fight for women’s equal rights, Pawol had proved a female baseball umpire can be second-guessed, proved wrong and humiliated by technology and mocked by howling fans on social media just like a man can. —Miami Herald, 2 June 2026

In a dissenting opinion, Judge Justin Walker said judges lack the power to second-guess the decision to exclude transgender troops. —Michael Kunzelman, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2026

Naim Maadad, founder and CEO of Gates Hospitality, which includes resort and restaurant brands like Six Senses Zighy Bay in Oman and Ultra Brasserie in Dubai, said travel warnings have prompted travelers to second-guess the situation. —Melanie Swan, CNN Money, 1 June 2026

The attacker on your network may not pause to sleep, strategize, or second-guess. —Philip Martin, Fortune, 29 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