double take

NOUN

delayed reaction

Synonyms

WEAK

afterthought arriere-pensee esprit d'escalier second thought

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Hu observed the insects pausing briefly, almost as if doing a "double take," before gathering nearby.

From Science Daily • Mar. 22, 2026

Waitstaff do a double take at having to get change.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 21, 2025

Something in your column made me do a double take.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 12, 2025

He'd arrived at the road adjacent to the tree and had to "double take" as he saw it for the first time lying on its side.

From BBC • May 9, 2025

Looking around, I shake my head, like I need a double take.

From "Internment" by Samira Ahmed