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
For each one, rewrite the opening line or hook using 3 different psychological angles: curiosity gap, bold statement, or counterintuitive claim.
—Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
This very philosophy, which at first can seem counterintuitive when talking about highly-stressful film productions, makes the country such a great contender to host them: Local business owners and crews are clear-headed, highly adaptable and eager to help to the best of their ability.
—Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 2 July 2025
Another counterintuitive driver could keep the gains going: neutral investor sentiment.
—Fred Imbert, CNBC, 26 June 2025
Lead with a lesson, a bold take or something counterintuitive from your journey.
—Rudy Mawer, Rolling Stone, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for counterintuitive
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Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
This very philosophy, which at first can seem counterintuitive when talking about highly-stressful film productions, makes the country such a great contender to host them: Local business owners and crews are clear-headed, highly adaptable and eager to help to the best of their ability.
—Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 2 July 2025
Another counterintuitive driver could keep the gains going: neutral investor sentiment.
—Fred Imbert, CNBC, 26 June 2025
Lead with a lesson, a bold take or something counterintuitive from your journey.
—Rudy Mawer, Rolling Stone, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for counterintuitive
Cite this Entry
“Counterintuitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counterintuitive. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.
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