COUNTERFACTUAL Synonyms: 58 Similar and Opposite Words

counterfactual

adjective

Definition of counterfactual

as in erroneous

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of counterfactual Mandatory frontier-model approval simultaneously fails the targeting, counterfactual durability, and enforceability tests. — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 15 May 2026 In our counterfactual future, Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay in South America’s southern cone, so close to Antarctica, have to adapt to some of the harshest effects of the widening hole in the ozone. — Big Think, 31 Mar. 2026 In Dark Matter, a parallel-universe version of Chicago as a desolate wasteland is more obviously counterfactual—and thus less uncanny—than a parallel universe in which the main character’s wife had not given up her career as an artist to have children. — Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 26 Nov. 2025 Such speculations can be amusing and interesting but, like much counterfactual history, they cannot be tested. — Literary Hub, 19 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for counterfactual

Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterfactual

Adjective

Towers told ProPublica that the audit had reached erroneous conclusions, that the auditors did not give him the opportunity to fully defend his work and that the journal’s willingness to stand by the study is proof that his research is sound.

— Amy Yurkanin, ProPublica, 24 Aug. 2026
For example, antiquarian scholars introduced the erroneous notion that druids built stone circles—most notably Stonehenge—for their ceremonies, an idea that became embedded in the popular imagination during the 18th century.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of erroneous

Adjective

However, subsequent video evidence led officials to claim that the officers involved had likely made untruthful statements about what happened.

— Paloma Chavez, PEOPLE, 27 Aug. 2026
In February, federal authorities launched an investigation into two federal immigration agents who appeared to have made untruthful statements under oath regarding a nonfatal shooting of an immigrant in Minneapolis in January.

— Hallie Golden, Chicago Tribune, 8 July 2026

Definition of untruthful

Adjective

Until there is agreement on which share count and which components of enterprise value belong in these calculations, comparability across companies is illusory, and the sector now includes well over a hundred public issuers of very different sizes.

— Sean Stein Smith, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Instead, Brew believes an ultimate compromise would mean Iran making an illusory comparison to the Strait of Malacca where there is a smaller, voluntary fee system for services rendered and maintenance.

— Jordan Blum, Fortune, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of illusory

Adjective

The undercover analyst noted in a message that his fictitious 4-year-old brother would be home the next day, when the Perez meeting was expected.

— Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Aug. 2026
Final testing relied on fictitious data instead of the real records of millions of residents.

— Komal Goyal, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of fictitious

Adjective

Travelers can place too much trust in a confident but inaccurate answer.

— Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Viral posts outlining ways to find AI tool hacks are now commonplace, but this also means an increase in factually inaccurate claims that are seen by millions of people.

— James Peckham, PC Magazine, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of inaccurate

Adjective

Blanche is also confronting growing distrust of the Justice Department among judges, who in multiple cases have accused government lawyers of withholding information or misleading courts.

— Alanna Durkin Richer, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
Both made misleading statements when questioned by authorities, according to the lawsuit.

— Chase Jordan August 27, Charlotte Observer, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of misleading

Browse Nearby Words

counterevidence

counterfactual

counterfeit

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“Counterfactual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterfactual. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of counterfactual

adjective

Example Sentences

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