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as in to speculate (about)
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of second-guess
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
When the whole look is wrinkle-resistant, there’s nothing to second-guess.
—Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 2 May 2026
The department has argued that courts shouldn't second-guess the reasons for searching the voter rolls.
—Bart Jansen, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for second-guess
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
When the whole look is wrinkle-resistant, there’s nothing to second-guess.
—Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 2 May 2026
The department has argued that courts shouldn't second-guess the reasons for searching the voter rolls.
—Bart Jansen, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for second-guess
Recent Examples of Synonyms for second-guess
Verb
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No one knows for sure, and older investors are often better served by accepting that uncertainty rather than trying to outguess it.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
28 Jan. 2026
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With the right guardrails in place, investors don't have to outguess the market.—
Chris Stevens,
Nashville Tennessean,
19 Oct. 2025
Verb
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In the study, which analyzed data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health collected between 2021 and 2024, researchers say that despite numerous state-level bans on kratom across the nation, its use is at an all-time high and is increasing.—
Karen Garcia,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2026
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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
18 June 2026
Verb
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Mosquitoes just might be outsmarting us Mosquitoes may be beating us at our own game − by making repellent attractive.—
Robert Abitbol,
USA Today,
13 June 2026
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In research released Monday, Amazon scientists Gaurav Gupta and Vatshank Chaturvedi document in careful technical detail why AI agents have a persistent tendency to outsmart themselves—and why fixing the problem requires rethinking the entire layer of software between the model and its tools.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
8 June 2026
Verb
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Vitello seemed to understand Devers’ reasoning for wanting to stay in the game but also knew that Devers was battling some leg soreness.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
22 June 2026
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Plus, Wizards officials reason that Young, who will turn 28 years old in September, will remain in his prime years through the end of his contract.—
Josh Robbins,
New York Times,
22 June 2026
Verb
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The question is no longer whether Vannacci will influence the vote, but whether Meloni can contain, co-opt or outmaneuver her challenger.—
Giada Zampano,
Fortune,
15 June 2026
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The question, analysts say, is no longer whether Vannacci will influence the vote, but whether Meloni can contain, co-opt or outmaneuver a challenger carving out political space to her right.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
14 June 2026
Verb
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Zoroastrianism’s core tenets – a single God, the cosmic struggle between good and evil – are widely believed by historians to have formed the theological groundwork for the major Abrahamic religions.—
Rhea Mogul,
CNN Money,
21 June 2026
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Authorities believe the fire was caused by a lightning strike.—
Christa Swanson,
CBS News,
21 June 2026
Verb
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Similar storm-clouds are now gathering around Sánchez, a canny politician known for outwitting his opponents.—
Tim Lister,
CNN Money,
21 June 2026
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Out of the first 3,000 participants, only three adults managed to outwit the kids and win the million-dollar grand prize.—
Greg Petro,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
Verb
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Police say the investigation is active and more details will be released once it is concluded.—
CBS Baltimore Staff,
CBS News,
21 June 2026
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The excavation, which began in September of last year and will conclude in July, uncovered a public bathhouse, residential blocks, luxury townhouses, streets, and a tower dating back nearly 2,000 years.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
20 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Second-guess.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/second-guess. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
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