counterexample

noun

coun·​ter·​ex·​am·​ple ˈkau̇n-tər-ig-ˌzam-pəl 

: an example that refutes or disproves a proposition or theory

Examples of counterexample in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

No nation-state has continuously spanned the thousands of years that a typical Civ game simulates; the closest counterexample might be China, which is playable as three different dynastic forms (plus Mongolia) in this game. —Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 12 Feb. 2025

Last month, a trio of mathematicians announced a counterexample, disproving the conjecture. —Joseph Howlett, WIRED, 24 Nov. 2024

Some of the most striking counterexamples involve individuals unable to produce or comprehend language. —Manvir Singh, The New Yorker, 23 Dec. 2024

There needs to be an agent in the room who can represent you as a whole, and when someone challenges their narrative or anecdotes, they are prepared with relevant counterexamples to advocate for you with facts and data. —Stephen Miles, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1809, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for counterexample

• hippocampal
• ample
• sample
• trample
• example
• subsample