intuitive
5 synonyms and 3 antonyms for intuitive, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Easy to understand or use without needing to think it through.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use intuitive
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Medieval Latin intuitivus, from Latin intueri, "to look at."
Full origin of intuitive →Frequently asked questions
What does “intuitive” mean?
The word “intuitive” means easy to understand or use without needing to think it through. In plain terms, something that feels natural or obvious, without needing an explanation.
How do you pronounce “intuitive”?
“Intuitive” is pronounced ihn-TYOO-ih-tihv (/ɪnˈt(j)uɪtɪv/ in IPA).
How do you use “intuitive” in a sentence?
Here is “intuitive” used in a sentence: “The new app has a really intuitive interface.”
What is the opposite of “intuitive”?
The opposite of “intuitive” — its antonyms — are unintuitive, nonintuitive and counterintuitive.
What part of speech is “intuitive”?
“Intuitive” is an adjective.
Where does the word “intuitive” come from?
The word “intuitive” comes from Medieval Latin. From Medieval Latin intuitivus, from Latin intueri, "to look at.".
Is “intuitive” a common word?
“Intuitive” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
What is the difference between intuitive and easy?
Intuitive specifically means something can be understood or used without needing to think it through, often because it matches how people naturally expect things to work. Easy is more general and can describe anything requiring little effort, even if that ease was achieved through explicit instructions or practice rather than natural understanding.
What makes software or design intuitive?
Software or a design is called intuitive when users can figure out how to operate it based on familiar patterns and expectations, without needing a manual or extensive explanation. This usually comes from consistent layout, clear labeling, and behavior that matches what users already expect from similar tools.
What is the opposite of intuitive?
The opposite of intuitive is something counterintuitive or unintuitive, meaning it requires conscious thought, instruction, or trial and error to understand or use because it doesn't match natural expectations.