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

Example Sentences

The government urged Leon not to block what they called a military personnel action or second-guess the professional judgment of senior military officials who determined Kelly’s conduct “risked eroding good order and discipline.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 12, 2026

Asked whether the encounter with Hamilton had made him second-guess his approach to confronting public officials, Reedy responded simply: “Nah.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 28, 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

At the same time, a too-weak reading could revive concerns about the trajectory of the economy and labor market, which could cause investors to second-guess lofty valuations in some corners of the market.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 8, 2026

But he’d spent so much time trying not to that it was so easy to second-guess himself.

From "The Way to Rio Luna" by Zoraida Cordova