hindsight

noun

hind·​sight ˈhīn(d)-ˌsīt How to pronounce hindsight (audio)
: perception of the nature of an event after it has happened
In hindsight, it's clear there were alternatives.
Hindsight is twenty-twenty.

Examples of hindsight in a Sentence

It's easy for us to say that the war was wrong, but we have the advantage of hindsight.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Perhaps that’s because, in hindsight, Samantha can feel more like a technological marvel than a catalyst for human isolation. Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 28 Feb. 2025 In hindsight, some American leaders did seem overly effusive about the prospect of bringing Putin into the fold. Neil MacFarquhar, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2025 Investment fund managers make choices about what to include in their portfolios, and the wisdom of these decisions can only be judged in hindsight. James Brewer, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025 In hindsight, there were some holes in the frontcourt, but the roster had a chance. Cj Moore, The Athletic, 19 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hindsight

Word History

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hindsight was in 1866

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Cite this Entry

“Hindsight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hindsight. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

hindsight

noun
hind·​sight ˈhīn(d)-ˌsīt How to pronounce hindsight (audio)
: realization of the meaning or importance of an event only after it has happened

More from Merriam-Webster on hindsight

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