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 role of the U.N. General Assembly’s Fifth Committee is not to second-guess mandates authorized by other U.N. bodies. —Beth Bailey, Fox News, 16 Jan. 2025

But having said all that, and being mindful of how easy second-guessing can be — especially early in the game — a full review of what happened in the Palisades is a duty, not an option. —Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 16 Jan. 2025

This clarity stops the cycle of second-guessing and false assumptions. —Kara Dennison, Sphr, Cprw, Ec, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025

As in his October proffer, his report crimps the Court’s ruling and ignores its instructions not to second-guess Trump’s motives. —The Editors, National Review, 15 Jan. 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