second-guess

[ sek-uhnd-ges ]

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.

second-guess

verb

1. to criticize or evaluate with hindsight
2. to attempt to anticipate or predict (a person or thing)

Derived Forms

• ˈsecond-ˈguesser, noun

Other Words From

• second-guesser noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of second-guess¹

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

Eisenhower, of course, was rather difficult to second-guess on such matters.

From The Daily Beast

Rosensaft, the son of Holocaust survivors, added: “I am not going to second-guess from afar who he meets with.”

From The Daily Beast

But financiers who second-guess management about the details of company operations may be over-reaching.

From The Daily Beast

And even EMS dispatch vets, generally reluctant to second-guess the work of one of their own, have piled on.

From The Daily Beast

The incentives for the police and the government are pretty clear, and I'm not willing to second-guess them.

From The Daily Beast