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

The Bediako case is a nice counterexample to the favoritism argument; the first judge stepped aside when his relationship with the university, or at least the coverage and commentary surrounding it, was too close-knit to be ignored, and the second judge ruled against his alma mater. —Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2026

Brazil’s Family Health Strategy offers a counterexample. —David Walcott, Forbes.com, 19 Jan. 2026

The Pop-Tarts Bowl has successfully navigated a thin line between viral marketing and gratuitous gimmick in recent years, providing a sprinkle-laden counterexample to those who fear non-College Football Playoff bowl games will crumble in this new reality of professionalized college football. —Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 27 Dec. 2025

But as soon as something is incorrect, the SAT solver can give counterexamples back — ideally, the smallest counterexample. —Quanta Magazine, 10 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1809, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for counterexample

• hippocampal
• ample
• sample
• trample
• example
• subsample