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
What image could be more apt for Fournier’s collection, which cloaks the everyday inside defamiliarizing forms, discovering in the severest subjects a counterintuitive reservoir of play?
—Literary Hub, 2 Feb. 2026
Mandating a coach keep a coordinator, particularly one with Schwartz’s surly reputation, seems counterintuitive — particularly to a young, first-time coach such as Scheelhaase.
—Jason Lloyd, New York Times, 30 Jan. 2026
The result may seem counterintuitive since the obligation supporting the lien has disappeared.
—Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
This may seem counterintuitive, but South Florida locals can likely save money or get better deals by leaving the area, for example flying to Alaska, experts say.
—Miami Herald, 24 Jan. 2026
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Literary Hub, 2 Feb. 2026
Mandating a coach keep a coordinator, particularly one with Schwartz’s surly reputation, seems counterintuitive — particularly to a young, first-time coach such as Scheelhaase.
—Jason Lloyd, New York Times, 30 Jan. 2026
The result may seem counterintuitive since the obligation supporting the lien has disappeared.
—Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
This may seem counterintuitive, but South Florida locals can likely save money or get better deals by leaving the area, for example flying to Alaska, experts say.
—Miami Herald, 24 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for counterintuitive
Cite this Entry
“Counterintuitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counterintuitive. Accessed 7 Feb. 2026.
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