counterintuitive

adjective

coun·ter·in·tu·i·tive ˌkau̇n-tər-in-ˈtü-ə-tiv

-ˈtyü-

: contrary to what one would intuitively expect

As counterintuitive as it may seem, the universe has no center, and it has no boundary.—

Jim Bell

counterintuitively

ˌkau̇n-tər-in-ˈtü-ə-tiv-lē

-ˈtyü-

adverb

Examples of counterintuitive in a Sentence

It may seem counterintuitive, but we do burn calories when we are sleeping.

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.

That Kim homed in on sound art might seem counterintuitive. —

Julie Belcove, Robb Report, 1 Feb. 2025 The idea may feel counterintuitive to some investors, since bond yields and prices have an inverse relationship. —

Michelle Fox, CNBC, 29 Jan. 2025 More News: Fans React To Horrifying Kansas City Tribute to Chiefs Irvin, who played on the Cowboys with Sanders in Dallas from 1995-99, believes that the move was counterintuitive to the franchise's goal of reestablishing itself as a major player within the NFC. —

Joel Thayer, Newsweek, 26 Jan. 2025 While such notions are counterintuitive to some, the physics is not. —

Marshall Shepherd, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for counterintuitive

Word History

First Known Use

1955, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of counterintuitive was in 1955

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Counterintuitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counterintuitive. Accessed 4 Feb. 2025.

Copy Citation