second-guess
verb
sec·ond-guess
ˌse-kᵊŋ-ˈges 
-kən(d)-
second-guessed; second-guessing; second-guesses
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
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
Time
second-guesser
noun
Examples of second-guess in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
One delay can scare off a buyer or cause second-guessing.
—Michael Gargiulo, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025
Little League has an interest in applying its rules and not having judges second-guess game decisions.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 23 July 2025
Chris thought the tickets were expensive but having seen pricey Broadway shows before, didn't second-guess the final cost.
—Arpan Lobo, Freep.com, 19 July 2025
Across town, Lara is preemptively second-guessing the night as well.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 16 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for second-guess
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Michael Gargiulo, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025
Little League has an interest in applying its rules and not having judges second-guess game decisions.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 23 July 2025
Chris thought the tickets were expensive but having seen pricey Broadway shows before, didn't second-guess the final cost.
—Arpan Lobo, Freep.com, 19 July 2025
Across town, Lara is preemptively second-guessing the night as well.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 16 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for second-guess
Cite this Entry
“Second-guess.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/second-guess. Accessed 2 Aug. 2025.
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