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

Don’t: Wait too long for the perfect moment or second-guess yourself into silence. —Lorraine K. Lee, Contributor, CNBC, 31 Mar. 2025

Naturally, going into their next film as soon as possible was paramount to avoid any second-guessing and building up of daunting pressure. —Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 31 Mar. 2025

The pace of modern communication means people simply don't have time to second-guess messages, especially when urgency is a core part of the attack. —Tony Bradley, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025

Her body's reaction — which the doctor told her was uncommon for the surgery — made Bader second-guess her decision to undergo the life-changing operation. —Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 26 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1941, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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