counterintuitive

adjective

coun·​ter·​in·​tu·​i·​tive ˌkau̇n-tər-in-ˈtü-ə-tiv How to pronounce counterintuitive (audio)
-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 How to pronounce counterintuitive (audio)
-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.
In science, results that are counterintuitive are also often fascinating. — David N. Hackney, STAT, 26 Aug. 2026 In the early 1980s, the mathematician János Komlós came up with a counterintuitive prediction. — Quanta Magazine, 21 Aug. 2026 But some of the things that can trigger or worsen psoriasis may be counterintuitive, or possibly not on your radar at all. — Grace Gavilanes, PEOPLE, 18 Aug. 2026 Walk around barefoot Walking barefoot may seem counterintuitive to most. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 17 Aug. 2026 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

Rhymes for counterintuitive

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Browse Nearby Words

counterinterpretation
counterintuitive
counterinvasion
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Counterintuitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counterintuitive. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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