counterexample

noun

coun·​ter·​ex·​am·​ple ˈkau̇n-tər-ig-ˌzam-pəl How to pronounce counterexample (audio)
: an example that refutes or disproves a proposition or theory

Examples of counterexample in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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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 Twisted Mysteries The counterexample Brittenham and Hermiller found is built out of two copies of a knot called the (2, 7) torus knot. Leila Sloman, Wired News, 8 Nov. 2025 One of the apparent counterexamples is easy to explain, the tearjerker. Big Think, 23 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for counterexample

Word History

First Known Use

1809, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of counterexample was in 1809

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Cite this Entry

“Counterexample.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counterexample. Accessed 3 Jan. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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