counterintuitive

[koun-ter-in-too-i-tiv, -tyoo-] / ˌkaʊn tər ɪnˈtu ɪ tɪv, -ˈtyu- /

ADJECTIVE

contrary to common sense

Synonyms

STRONGEST

unreasonable

STRONG

faulty illogical implausible nonsensical

WEAK

absurd capricious contradictory erratic preposterous reasonless senseless sophistic untenable

Antonyms

STRONGEST

analytical equitable intuitive reasonable understandable

STRONG

legitimate objective valid

WEAK

tenable

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.

It sounds counterintuitive, but I love getting ready for the first real meal after a spring clean.

From Salon • Mar. 19, 2026

The idea that convection can occur within an ice sheet may seem counterintuitive at first.

From Science Daily • Mar. 14, 2026

This counterintuitive use of the VIX was the basis of a study several years ago entitled “Volatility-Managed Portfolios.”

From MarketWatch • Mar. 13, 2026

The energy finding seems counterintuitive, but by Barclays’ math, energy stocks are already trading as though crude were selling for more than $100 a barrel.

From Barron's • Mar. 6, 2026

There is something profoundly counterintuitive in the definition of stickiness that emerges from all these examples.

From "The Tipping Point" by Malcolm Gladwell