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

But that was an interesting finding and a little bit counterintuitive. — Dana Taylor, USA Today, 20 July 2026

The idea of ice cream helping with sleep sounds counterintuitive, but UK brand Snooz is banking on a growing shift in how consumers think about nighttime treats. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson july 17, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 July 2026

Though sectionals in all their long configurations can feel counterintuitive for small spaces, designer Ashley Darryl says the opposite is often true. — Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 16 July 2026

The filmmakers’ approach is counterintuitive because, on the field, Zizou was not at all like you or me. — Sebastian Smee, The Atlantic, 11 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1955, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for counterintuitive

• intuitive