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

Explanation

When you second-guess something, you either predict what will happen in the future, or look back and reevaluate something that happened in the past. You might second-guess your decision to wear shorts after it starts snowing. You can second-guess how your favorite player will perform in the Super Bowl, but you won't know until you watch the game. And then you might second-guess the way your team played. The first use of second-guess has you guessing what someone will do. The second, which is more common in the U.S., comes from baseball slang, "for a fan who loudly questions decisions by players."

Example Sentences

If insurers second-guess claims, attorneys threaten to sue.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

Sauer pointed to a provision in the 1990 law that says judges have no authority to second-guess the government’s decision to end it.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 16, 2026

The SG argued that courts can’t second-guess the President’s reasons.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 21, 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

He starts to turn but I call out before I can second-guess what I’m doing.

From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse