counterfactual

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The counterfactual question—what might have happened if France had not abandoned the National Convention’s vision of a trans-Atlantic, multiracial polity?—can never be answered.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 27, 2026

That effacement tries to create a counterfactual absurdity.

From Salon • Mar. 9, 2025

We can't be certain because the results depend heavily on the method chosen by researchers for measuring the "counterfactual", i.e what would have happened to UK exports had the country stayed in the EU.

From BBC • Jan. 30, 2025

Four extremely strong typhoons that made landfall on the Korean Peninsula between 2011 and 2020 were chosen for simulation under current climate condition and counterfactual condition without human-induced warming.

From Science Daily • Dec. 29, 2023

For one thing, his hyperbole was plainly counterfactual.

From Slate • Sep. 14, 2023