counterinstance
/ˈkaʊntərˌɪnstəns/
noun
- An example that disproves or goes against a general statement, rule, or theory.
- The teacher asked for a counterinstance to test whether the rule always applied.
- If you claim all swans are white, a black swan is a perfect counterinstance.
- The scientist found a counterinstance that showed the old theory was not always true.
Synonyms