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
Costa Brava Catalonia While Barcelona residents have made tourists second-guess a visit to Catalonia’s capital, take the opportunity to escape the crowds and head to Costa Brava.
—Chloe Arrojado, AFAR Media, 30 Jan. 2025
After the game, Lakers head coach JJ Redick second-guessed his decision to interest the rookie into the rotation.
—Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025
The Oilers haven’t been hurt by Kane’s absence in the standings, but the constant uncertainty about his status has created headaches and the potential for second-guessing.
—Daniel Nugent-Bowman, The Athletic, 25 Jan. 2025
At Wednesday’s argument in the case, Barnes v. Felix, No. 23-1239, some justices expressed concerns about second-guessing police officers’ split-second judgments.
—Adam Liptak, New York Times, 22 Jan. 2025
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Chloe Arrojado, AFAR Media, 30 Jan. 2025
After the game, Lakers head coach JJ Redick second-guessed his decision to interest the rookie into the rotation.
—Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025
The Oilers haven’t been hurt by Kane’s absence in the standings, but the constant uncertainty about his status has created headaches and the potential for second-guessing.
—Daniel Nugent-Bowman, The Athletic, 25 Jan. 2025
At Wednesday’s argument in the case, Barnes v. Felix, No. 23-1239, some justices expressed concerns about second-guessing police officers’ split-second judgments.
—Adam Liptak, New York Times, 22 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for second-guess
Dictionary Entries Near second-guess
Cite this Entry
“Second-guess.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/second-guess. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.
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