second thought

noun

Definition of second thoughtnext
as in doubt
a feeling of guilt, doubt, worry, etc., that you have after you have decided to do something or after something has happened After she agreed to lend him the money, she had second thoughts. She was having second thoughts about getting married.

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of second thought Subscriptions like Billie cover this for you without a second thought. — Sabina Wizemann, Good Housekeeping, 30 Nov. 2022 In America, the allure of material comfort is accepted without a second thought. — Sarah Zhang, The Atlantic, 20 Nov. 2022 Would Daenerys Targaryen have lit that place up without a second thought? — Lauren Morgan, EW.com, 23 Oct. 2022 As the existing workforce exits the industry and new technological innovation changes how projects are imagined and built, the industry has a unique opportunity to attract a new type of worker who may never have given construction a second thought. — Mark Schwartz, Forbes, 17 May 2021 See All Example Sentences for second thought
Recent Examples of Synonyms for second thought
  1. doubt
  2. hesitation
Noun
  • Therefore, Tunick remains presumed innocent unless prosecutors prove the charge beyond a reasonable doubt.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Since the State could not disprove the justification defense beyond a reasonable doubt, the evidence resulted in the decision that no criminal charges would be filed against the fast-food employees.
    — Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of doubt
Noun
  • Henry shook backup safety Dell Pettus with a slight hesitation at the goal line before breaking free inside.
    — Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 10 Aug. 2026
  • When that was met with no hesitations, that was a pivotal part of me taking this job.
    — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of hesitation

Browse Nearby Words

second sight
second thought
second thoughts
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Cite this Entry

“Second thought.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/second%20thought. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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