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

Jason Manion, a Justice Department attorney, said that the 40% figure was relevant and Reyes was not supposed to second-guess the professional judgment of military leaders. —Maureen Groppe, USA TODAY, 16 Mar. 2025

Losing Confidence Mid-Interview A tricky question or unexpected turn in the conversation can deflate confidence, leading to second-guessing and self-doubt. —Michael Guan, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025

Some Democrats are now also publicly second-guessing the party's stances on transgender rights. —Annalise Frank, Axios, 13 Mar. 2025

By now, the bowhunter was discouraged and second-guessing his decision to end the season there, holed up in a blind. —Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 13 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