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
Jim BellExamples of counterintuitive in a Sentence
It may seem counterintuitive, but we do burn calories when we are sleeping.
Recent Examples on the Web
Here’s the counterintuitive truth: As AI generates more content, brand differentiation becomes more valuable, not less.
—Steven Wolfe Pereira, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025
The idea that international conflict will in future decades ebb may appear counterintuitive, given the large number of wars in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East during the first quarter of the century.
—Mark L. Haas, Foreign Affairs, 24 July 2025
El-Erian’s comments, issued via social media and elaborated in press interviews, are remarkable not only for their candor, but for their counterintuitive reasoning: El-Erian believes Powell should step aside to protect the institution’s independence in the face of multiplying political attacks.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 22 July 2025
Document the counterintuitive strategies that actually worked.
—Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 18 July 2025
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Steven Wolfe Pereira, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025
The idea that international conflict will in future decades ebb may appear counterintuitive, given the large number of wars in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East during the first quarter of the century.
—Mark L. Haas, Foreign Affairs, 24 July 2025
El-Erian’s comments, issued via social media and elaborated in press interviews, are remarkable not only for their candor, but for their counterintuitive reasoning: El-Erian believes Powell should step aside to protect the institution’s independence in the face of multiplying political attacks.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 22 July 2025
Document the counterintuitive strategies that actually worked.
—Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 18 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for counterintuitive
Cite this Entry
“Counterintuitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counterintuitive. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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