counterfactual
adjective
coun·ter·fac·tu·al
ˌkau̇n-tər-ˈfak-chə-wəl 
-chəl,
-shwəl,
-chü-əl
: contrary to fact
counterfactual assumptions
Examples of counterfactual in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Israeli officials and pro-Israeli think tanks would make the counterfactual argument that Hezbollah’s arsenal, especially of advanced weapons, would have been much larger without Mabam operations.
—
Amy McAuliffe,
The Conversation,
26 June 2026
For years, that counterfactual felt abstract.
—
John Hope Bryant,
Time,
28 May 2026
That is the most relevant counterfactual available.
—
Shivaram Rajgopal,
Forbes.com,
24 May 2026
Havana Docks did not have to prove that the cruise lines interfered with a property interest that would have existed in the counterfactual scenario in which the Cuban Government did not confiscate it.
—
Nora Gámez Torres,
Miami Herald,
21 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for counterfactual
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Amy McAuliffe,
The Conversation,
26 June 2026
For years, that counterfactual felt abstract.
—
John Hope Bryant,
Time,
28 May 2026
That is the most relevant counterfactual available.
—
Shivaram Rajgopal,
Forbes.com,
24 May 2026
Havana Docks did not have to prove that the cruise lines interfered with a property interest that would have existed in the counterfactual scenario in which the Cuban Government did not confiscate it.
—
Nora Gámez Torres,
Miami Herald,
21 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for counterfactual
Cite this Entry
“Counterfactual.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counterfactual. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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