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

Frontline managers who feel obligated to second-guess strategy. —Brendan Keegan, Rolling Stone, 27 Jan. 2026

The challenge for prosecutors Prosecutors generally face an uphill battle when charging police officers, as juries tend to be reluctant to second-guess officers acting in the heat of the moment, the legal experts said. —Elise Hammond, CNN Money, 24 Jan. 2026

In the years since, America has second-guessed its recurring disinterest in this largest of islands, time and again. —Barry Scott Zellen, Hartford Courant, 22 Jan. 2026

However, one exchange with her sons had Cavallari second-guessing her willingness to discuss one particular topic publicly. —Rachel McRady, PEOPLE, 20 Jan. 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