hindsight

noun

hind·​sight ˈhīn(d)-ˌsīt How to pronounce hindsight (audio)
: perception of the nature of an event after it has happened
In hindsight, it's clear there were alternatives.
Hindsight is twenty-twenty.

Examples of hindsight in a Sentence

It's easy for us to say that the war was wrong, but we have the advantage of hindsight.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
In hindsight, consumer goods was a no-brainer for Momofuku. — Eric Ryan, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025 In hindsight, some of the interviewees say, regrets run deep. — Sandra Gonzalez, CNN, 11 Mar. 2025 In hindsight the idea seems clear, but in the moment, there was a lot of fumbling around. — Jayson Stewart, IEEE Spectrum, 5 Mar. 2025 In hindsight, Madison's BAFTA win signaled a potential Oscar win after prognosticators had been betting on Moore or Torres. — David Oliver, USA TODAY, 3 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hindsight

Word History

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hindsight was in 1866

Phrases Containing hindsight

Rhymes for hindsight

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Browse Nearby Words

hindsight
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Cite this Entry

“Hindsight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hindsight. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

hindsight

noun
hind·​sight ˈhīn(d)-ˌsīt How to pronounce hindsight (audio)
: realization of the meaning or importance of an event only after it has happened

More from Merriam-Webster on hindsight

Nglish: Translation of hindsight for Spanish Speakers

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