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

Gold’s price fall may seems counterintuitive as it is typically considered a haven against geopolitical risks.

From Barron's • Mar. 6, 2026

“There’s a supply-and-demand dynamic that sometimes produces counterintuitive results,” said Samir Shah, chief executive of CareScout, which has a tool that is searchable by zip code to help pinpoint cost estimates.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 4, 2026

In 1911, this sort of counterintuitive brilliance was expected of both thief and detective.

From "The Mona Lisa Vanishes" by Nicholas Day