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
Jim BellExamples of counterintuitive in a Sentence
It may seem counterintuitive, but we do burn calories when we are sleeping.
Recent Examples on the Web
Stone Countertops Sanitizing kitchen countertops less often might seem counterintuitive, but Cohoon says many people clean them too much.
—Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Mar. 2025
This may seem counterintuitive, but despite the challenges, there are times when a job searcher should consider taking a pass on the opportunity to interview.
—Jack Kelly, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
That influence is palpable in Hudson’s playing, which is marked by unexpected, almost counterintuitive little figures; his style was erudite, but teasing.
—Amanda Petrusich, The New Yorker, 24 Jan. 2025
At a time when real life can feel like a nightmare, a collective turn toward the ghoulish and the ghastly might seem counterintuitive, but the Gothic genre has always offered a space to examine the darkest corners of the human psyche.
—M.l. Rio, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for counterintuitive
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.
Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Mar. 2025
This may seem counterintuitive, but despite the challenges, there are times when a job searcher should consider taking a pass on the opportunity to interview.
—Jack Kelly, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
That influence is palpable in Hudson’s playing, which is marked by unexpected, almost counterintuitive little figures; his style was erudite, but teasing.
—Amanda Petrusich, The New Yorker, 24 Jan. 2025
At a time when real life can feel like a nightmare, a collective turn toward the ghoulish and the ghastly might seem counterintuitive, but the Gothic genre has always offered a space to examine the darkest corners of the human psyche.
—M.l. Rio, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for counterintuitive
Cite this Entry
“Counterintuitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counterintuitive. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share