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

Both are counterintuitive enough that almost nobody arrives at them on their own before some years have passed, and both, once understood, change what a couple is actually working toward. — Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 23 July 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

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

Word History

First Known Use

1955, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for counterintuitive

• intuitive