counterexample

noun

coun·ter·ex·am·ple ˈkau̇n-tər-ig-ˌzam-pəl

: an example that refutes or disproves a proposition or theory

Examples of counterexample in a Sentence

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.

Hollom found a counterexample to this version of the conjecture. —

Joseph Howlett, Quanta Magazine, 1 Nov. 2024 It should be noted, however, that last year’s Expats also rode the festival circuit this season, and that show has been used as an Emmys counterexample in two consecutive paragraphs. —

Joe Reid, Vulture, 31 Aug. 2024 Navalny himself, his life and death, might be the best counterexample to Tolstoy’s theory. —

Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 21 Oct. 2024 Naturally, Porphyrion is a counterexample to that assumption, suggesting to researchers that the universe’s past could contain more extremely long jets emitted by radiative black holes. —

Shi En Kim, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for counterexample

Word History

First Known Use

1809, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of counterexample was in 1809

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Counterexample.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counterexample. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Copy Citation