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
While adding a new monthly bill to the mix may feel counterintuitive, there's a strong case to be made for reevaluating select insurance types now, in the uncertain economic climate many now find themselves in.
—Matt Richardson, CBS News, 1 June 2026
That’s the special value of counterintuitive results.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
Something counterintuitive is happening in productivity culture.
—Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 27 May 2026
The changing timing of precipitation can result in counterintuitive feedbacks, as recent studies in the Northeast have shown.
—David Boutt, The Conversation, 26 May 2026
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Matt Richardson, CBS News, 1 June 2026
That’s the special value of counterintuitive results.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
Something counterintuitive is happening in productivity culture.
—Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 27 May 2026
The changing timing of precipitation can result in counterintuitive feedbacks, as recent studies in the Northeast have shown.
—David Boutt, The Conversation, 26 May 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 Jun. 2026.
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