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

counterintuitively

ˌkau̇n-tər-in-ˈtü-ə-tiv-lē 

-ˈtyü-

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

His theory appears to explain some counterintuitive findings. — Dhruv Khullar, New Yorker, 29 June 2026

And although a counterintuitive concept that seemingly many on the Left struggle to comprehend, higher tax rates ultimately generate less, not more,tax revenue. — Michael Zais, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 June 2026

On paper, the price of two firsts, plus, may seem counterintuitive for the Rangers. — Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 27 June 2026

And that, to me, is the counterintuitive truth at the heart of the Wek Test. — Jeetendr Sehdev, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1955, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for counterintuitive

• intuitive