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

Perhaps Schore's most counterintuitive recommendation comes immediately before high-stakes moments. — Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026

This result is counterintuitive, especially considering metformin’s potential connection to antiaging effects. — Viviane Callier, Scientific American, 13 Aug. 2026

That’s counterintuitive, given the much bigger size of Russia’s population and military. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 3 Aug. 2026

Prune or Pinch Back Prudently Cutting back a sparse-looking plant might feel counterintuitive, but strategically trimming long stems encourages branching, which can create denser, more balanced spillers. — Gemma Johnstone, The Spruce, 22 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1955, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for counterintuitive

• intuitive