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
Serenbe also doesn’t have lawns, which seems counterintuitive for a place creating exposure to nature.
—Jennifer Castenson, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
This counterintuitive approach — focusing intensely on local appeal rather than trying to engineer international crossovers — has become Netflix’s North Star in Asian markets.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 21 Apr. 2025
Although a strong color might seem counterintuitive, the results can be wonderfully theatrical and much more exciting than any attempt to create light by painting a room white.
—Ariel Okin, Vogue, 18 Apr. 2025
Living with two or more chronic health conditions Not living with obesity
Pell notes that further research is required to understand these findings, some of which seem counterintuitive.
—Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for counterintuitive
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Jennifer Castenson, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
This counterintuitive approach — focusing intensely on local appeal rather than trying to engineer international crossovers — has become Netflix’s North Star in Asian markets.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 21 Apr. 2025
Although a strong color might seem counterintuitive, the results can be wonderfully theatrical and much more exciting than any attempt to create light by painting a room white.
—Ariel Okin, Vogue, 18 Apr. 2025
Living with two or more chronic health conditions Not living with obesity
Pell notes that further research is required to understand these findings, some of which seem counterintuitive.
—Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 16 Apr. 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 4 May. 2025.
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