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counterintuitive

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


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.

Quantum mechanics is famous for its strange and often counterintuitive ideas.

From Science Daily • May 3, 2026

The consequence, which strikes some as counterintuitive, is that a stock with a higher absolute yield may nevertheless be considered a worse bet than another with a lower absolute yield.

From Barron's • Apr. 20, 2026

The idea that meaningful and attentive engagement could come from averting your gaze may seem counterintuitive, but it translates to other basic forms of human interaction.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

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

From MarketWatch • Mar. 27, 2026

This may seem counterintuitive at first, but if you pause to consider how the system actually operates this fact becomes obvious.

From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander



Vocabulary lists containing counterintuitive


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