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

Blanket statements Swaddling yourself in a long coat might sound counterintuitive if the goal is to look dressed up. — Rosana Lai, Glamour, 11 Nov. 2026

After all, when you are compensated only upon the successful completion of a transaction, turning away business seems counterintuitive. — Allen Buchanan, Oc Register, 7 Nov. 2026

Young said the uniqueness and counterintuitive nature of the honor code can actually be a draw in recruiting. — Ryan Canfield Outkick, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2026

This may sound counterintuitive to say, since objectively there is no person in music history more famous for talking in concert than Natalie Maines. — Chris Willman, Variety, 4 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1955, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for counterintuitive

• intuitive