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
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Serenbe also doesn’t have lawns, which seems counterintuitive for a place creating exposure to nature. Jennifer Castenson, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025 This counterintuitive approach — focusing intensely on local appeal rather than trying to engineer international crossovers — has become Netflix’s North Star in Asian markets. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 21 Apr. 2025 Although a strong color might seem counterintuitive, the results can be wonderfully theatrical and much more exciting than any attempt to create light by painting a room white. Ariel Okin, Vogue, 18 Apr. 2025 Living with two or more chronic health conditions Not living with obesity Pell notes that further research is required to understand these findings, some of which seem counterintuitive. Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 16 Apr. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Counterintuitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counterintuitive. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

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