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
The scenario might seem counterintuitive, given that numerous states prohibit felons from holding state or local office and even restrict their right to vote.
—David Nakamura, Washington Post, 11 Apr. 2024
While that may sound counterintuitive for global warming, cold temperatures also come along with climate change.
—Jen Christensen, CNN, 10 Apr. 2024
In the late 1970s, computer scientists discovered that randomness could sometimes improve algorithms for solving inherently deterministic problems — a counterintuitive finding that perplexed researchers for years.
—Ben Brubaker, Quanta Magazine, 27 Mar. 2024
Our research offers a perhaps counterintuitive solution to disagreements about moderation: Platforms should give up on trying to prevent the spread of information that is simply false, and focus instead on preventing the spread of information that can be used to cause harm.
—Scott Duke Kominers, The Atlantic, 22 Mar. 2024
Throughout the case, the plaintiffs have criticized Arizona's private prison health care model and its for-profit incentive as counterintuitive to improving treatment.
—Miguel Torres, The Arizona Republic, 15 Mar. 2024
Increasingly, Americans are seeking authentic human contact, and one counterintuitive way the country music industry can provide that real experience is with an assist from artificial intelligence.
—Tom Roland, Billboard, 6 Mar. 2024
The final shape of many of these changes will possibly be counterintuitive from our current point of view.
—David Einstein, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024
For many on the left, this promise, made by a Democrat campaigning to run one of the country’s most liberal cities, was counterintuitive.
—Frederick Kaufman, Harper's Magazine, 26 Feb. 2024
David Nakamura, Washington Post, 11 Apr. 2024
While that may sound counterintuitive for global warming, cold temperatures also come along with climate change.
—Jen Christensen, CNN, 10 Apr. 2024
In the late 1970s, computer scientists discovered that randomness could sometimes improve algorithms for solving inherently deterministic problems — a counterintuitive finding that perplexed researchers for years.
—Ben Brubaker, Quanta Magazine, 27 Mar. 2024
Our research offers a perhaps counterintuitive solution to disagreements about moderation: Platforms should give up on trying to prevent the spread of information that is simply false, and focus instead on preventing the spread of information that can be used to cause harm.
—Scott Duke Kominers, The Atlantic, 22 Mar. 2024
Throughout the case, the plaintiffs have criticized Arizona's private prison health care model and its for-profit incentive as counterintuitive to improving treatment.
—Miguel Torres, The Arizona Republic, 15 Mar. 2024
Increasingly, Americans are seeking authentic human contact, and one counterintuitive way the country music industry can provide that real experience is with an assist from artificial intelligence.
—Tom Roland, Billboard, 6 Mar. 2024
The final shape of many of these changes will possibly be counterintuitive from our current point of view.
—David Einstein, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024
For many on the left, this promise, made by a Democrat campaigning to run one of the country’s most liberal cities, was counterintuitive.
—Frederick Kaufman, Harper's Magazine, 26 Feb. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'counterintuitive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near counterintuitive
Cite this Entry
“Counterintuitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counterintuitive. Accessed 28 Apr. 2024.
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