verb · 4 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
Pronunciation
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Received-Pronunciation:/ˈsɛk.əndˌɡɛs/
General-American:sĕkʹəndgĕs'
General-American:/ˈsɛk.(ə)ndˌɡɛs/
General-American:/ˈsɛk.(ə)ntˌɡɛs/
Canada:/ˈsɛk.ɪndˌɡɛs/
Australian, New-Zealand:/ˈsek.ən(t)ˌɡes/
QueenslandRecorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
rhymes with -ɛs
1
verb
Meaning 1
To vet or evaluate; to criticize or correct, often by hindsight, by presuming to have a better idea, method, etc.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: transitive
Examples
Please don't try to second-guess the procedure that we have already refined and adopted.
Once she began listening to her instincts and didn't second-guess herself the entire time, her artwork improved noticeably.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: reconsider, rethink, think over
Antonyms: none provided
2
verb
Meaning 2
To anticipate or predict someone's actions or thoughts by guesswork.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: intransitive, transitive
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
3
verb
Meaning 3
evaluate or criticize with hindsight
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: comment
4
verb
Meaning 4
attempt to anticipate or predict
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
