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 can feel counterintuitive to go out with friends and then impose limits on your spontaneity.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 27, 2026

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

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

The notion of the earth whirling and hurtling through the cosmos was, in the end, fatally counterintuitive to the ancient mind.

From "Circumference" by Nicholas Nicastro