counterfactual

adjective

Definition of counterfactualnext
as in erroneous

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of counterfactual In our counterfactual future, Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay in South America’s southern cone, so close to Antarctica, have to adapt to some of the harshest effects of the widening hole in the ozone. — Big Think, 31 Mar. 2026 Israeli officials and pro-Israeli think tanks would make the counterfactual argument that Hezbollah’s arsenal, especially of advanced weapons, would have been much larger without Mabam operations. — Amy McAuliffe, The Conversation, 26 June 2026 In Dark Matter, a parallel-universe version of Chicago as a desolate wasteland is more obviously counterfactual—and thus less uncanny—than a parallel universe in which the main character’s wife had not given up her career as an artist to have children. — Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 26 Nov. 2025 Mandatory frontier-model approval simultaneously fails the targeting, counterfactual durability, and enforceability tests. — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 15 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for counterfactual
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterfactual
  1. erroneous
  2. untrue
  3. untruthful
  4. illusory
  5. fictitious
  6. inexact
  7. inaccurate
  8. misleading
Adjective
  • In addition, the trial judge gave the jury erroneous instructions, the appeals court ruled.
    — David Hilzenrath, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • But such fine evidence of the erroneous human touch in the publishing process is, of course, cherished by collectors of this day.
    — Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Definition of erroneous
Adjective
  • That was quickly proven untrue, and Profumo resigned in disgrace.
    — Tracy Grant, Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 June 2026
  • But several of the observations were simply untrue.
    — Terry Oroszi, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
Definition of untrue
Adjective
  • This inquiry identified insufficient evidence to conclude that Garcia knowingly made an untruthful statement.
    — Brian Maass, CBS News, 19 June 2026
  • Since 2019, state law has required law enforcement agencies that employ POST certificate holders to notify the board if a certificate holder knowingly made an untruthful statement during an internal affairs investigation, among other circumstances.
    — Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 8 May 2026
Definition of untruthful
Adjective
  • Conversations need grounding as intuitive Moon in your 3rd House of Communication opposes illusory Neptune in your 9th House of Travel and Learning, so facts and visions compete.
    — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 22 June 2026
  • That is, real, not merely illusory, measures, so that the allure to breach peace for imagined gains is overshadowed.
    — Keith Tidman, Baltimore Sun, 15 June 2026
Definition of illusory
Adjective
  • The book traces the fictitious Yeoman family’s evolution over generations from self-sufficient homesteaders to participants in global markets.
    — Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 23 June 2026
  • Hosting its usual presentation at its headquarters, located a stone’s throw from San Babila square, the brand installed video walls that broadcast a fictitious runway show created with the help of AI.
    — Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 22 June 2026
Definition of fictitious
Adjective
  • The polyester cloth was scratchy on my thighs, the fit inexact.
    — Benny Peterson, Vogue, 4 May 2026
  • Predicting space weather remains a decidedly inexact science, comparable to weather forecasting decades ago on Earth.
    — Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 31 Mar. 2026
Definition of inexact
Adjective
  • The ruling said Durnell’s claim would require a warning that the EPA did not require – but information counter to EPA’s conclusions is by definition inaccurate.
    — Sarah J. Morath, The Conversation, 2 July 2026
  • They’re also designed to be agreeable and can reinforce a user’s beliefs, even if those beliefs are inaccurate.
    — Kathleen Peddicord, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Definition of inaccurate
Adjective
  • Democrats on the House Natural Resources Committee released a report this week criticizing the president and Freedom 250, accusing it of diverting funds and misleading sponsors.
    — Luke Fountain, CNBC, 3 July 2026
  • The charge alleges a person knowingly defrauded another by using false or misleading information to obtain money, property, credit or a loan.
    — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of misleading

Browse Nearby Words

counterevidence
counterfactual
counterfeit
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Counterfactual.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterfactual. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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