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

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.

Meanwhile, with Saldana, Montel constructed a clear arc for her costumes based on what might seem like a counterintuitive source. —

Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 4 Nov. 2024 The Grind Is The Reward At first glance, enjoying the grind might seem counterintuitive. —

Brett Husak, Forbes, 14 Oct. 2024 This might seem counterintuitive at first, as openness is typically associated with curiosity, imagination and a love for new experiences. —

Mark Travers, Forbes, 14 Oct. 2024 Another counterintuitive result is the magical doubling of a sphere, better known as the Banach-Tarski paradox. —

Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 1 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for counterintuitive

Word History

First Known Use

1955, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of counterintuitive was in 1955

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Counterintuitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counterintuitive. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

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