second-guess

American  

[sek-uhnd-ges] / ˈsɛk əndˈgɛs /

verb (used with object)

1. to use hindsight in criticizing or correcting.

2. to predict (something) or outguess (someone).

   We must try to second-guess what he'll do next.

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second-guess British  

verb

1. to criticize or evaluate with hindsight

2. to attempt to anticipate or predict (a person or thing)

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Other Word Forms

• second-guesser noun

Etymology

Origin of second-guess

First recorded in 1945–50

Explanation

When you second-guess something, you either predict what will happen in the future, or look back and reevaluate something that happened in the past. You might second-guess your decision to wear shorts after it starts snowing. You can second-guess how your favorite player will perform in the Super Bowl, but you won't know until you watch the game. And then you might second-guess the way your team played. The first use of second-guess has you guessing what someone will do. The second, which is more common in the U.S., comes from baseball slang, "for a fan who loudly questions decisions by players."

Example Sentences

Trump toured the construction site with Powell last summer and afterward said he didn’t want to second-guess cost overruns on two historic buildings that are undergoing a gut renovation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

If insurers second-guess claims, attorneys threaten to sue.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

“There is still ongoing effort to challenge or second-guess clear state policy based on some understanding, or misunderstanding, of labor law.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 11, 2026

As long as he puts forth some marginally plausible reason, no judge may second-guess his findings or put her back on the Fed.

From Slate • Jan. 12, 2026

In humanities class, people are starting to freak out and second-guess their paradoxes.

From "Ask the Passengers" by A.S. King