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
But add a layer of quantum theory to it, and the flow of time becomes counterintuitive.
—Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 20 Apr. 2026
Then, do something that may feel counterintuitive — make room for their mother on purpose.
—Jann Blackstone, Boston Herald, 19 Apr. 2026
Much like the idea of therapy as corporate espionage, the government procurement process is a counterintuitive way into examining the excesses of tech culture.
—Alison Herman, Variety, 12 Apr. 2026
This dual effect is one of those counterintuitive findings that makes gardening more complicated (and honestly, more interesting) than a 30-second reel can capture.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Apr. 2026
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Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 20 Apr. 2026
Then, do something that may feel counterintuitive — make room for their mother on purpose.
—Jann Blackstone, Boston Herald, 19 Apr. 2026
Much like the idea of therapy as corporate espionage, the government procurement process is a counterintuitive way into examining the excesses of tech culture.
—Alison Herman, Variety, 12 Apr. 2026
This dual effect is one of those counterintuitive findings that makes gardening more complicated (and honestly, more interesting) than a 30-second reel can capture.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for counterintuitive
Cite this Entry
“Counterintuitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counterintuitive. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.
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