counterintuitive

adjective

coun·​ter·​in·​tu·​i·​tive ˌkau̇n-tər-in-ˈtü-ə-tiv How to pronounce counterintuitive (audio)
-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 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.
Try Cayenne Pepper Eating spicy pepper seems counterintuitive when your throat is sore. Ann Pietrangelo, Verywell Health, 10 Feb. 2025 Our immigration system is complex and often counterintuitive. James Seddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Jan. 2025 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 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

Dictionary Entries Near counterintuitive

Cite this Entry

“Counterintuitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counterintuitive. Accessed 19 Feb. 2025.

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