HEAD CASE Synonyms: 41 Similar and Opposite Words

head case

noun

Definition of head case

as in character

a person of odd or whimsical habits an area of scientific research that's a good niche for social misfits and hard-core head cases

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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 head case My question is, with what AB did to the Raiders, Why would Gruden/Mayock want to take another head case like Jalen Ramsey? — Jerry McDonald, The Mercury News, 20 Sep. 2019 Whiteside has a reputation of being a bit of a head case, and also, in need of motivation. — oregonlive.com, 1 July 2019 Here’s a toast to both of them, performing in such relevant games after being written off as hopeless head cases earlier in their careers. — Bruce Jenkins, San Francisco Chronicle, 31 May 2018 Grant Goodrich of Cleveland, who heads Case Western Reserve University's Great Lakes Energy Institute, collected $72,192 in the quarter, spent $28,273 and had $48,919 in the bank. — Sabrina Eaton, cleveland.com, 16 Apr. 2018 Then again, the finale may just add to the mystery, and turn not just a few, but every single character into a head case tortured by strange, traumatic visions and memories. — Kristi Turnquist, OregonLive.com, 12 Apr. 2018 Neither of the Aboutaam brothers has been charged with any wrongdoing related to any of these investigations or to the bull’s head case. — Georgi Kantchev, WSJ, 27 Sep. 2017

Recent Examples of Synonyms for head case

Noun

Each will showcase original works from more than 30 artists reimagining iconic moments, characters and worlds from Sonic’s history, alongside artwork from SEGA’s archives.

— Matt Minton, Variety, 8 July 2026
Thorpe’s characters are so specific, their balance of prickliness and kindness and quirk so delicate, that one wrong casting choice could ruin the whole viewing experience.

— Judy Berman, Time, 8 July 2026

Definition of character

Noun

With its loose ends and digressions, Dream Me a Dream stays true to those idiosyncratic instincts while retaining enough of the welcoming glow of Dance of Love to make this an affecting farewell from an endearing eccentric.

— Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Pitchfork, 22 June 2026
The eccentric cuz is quick to try and help Bobby solve problems, which often gets him into trouble, but ultimately pushes him out of his shell.

— Skyler Trepel, Entertainment Weekly, 20 June 2026

Definition of eccentric

Noun

According to Variety, tracking services now forecast that the movie will actually debut to between $60 million and $65 million giving it ticket sales that are barely above the original, which opened to $56 million.

— Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
Designed by Eduardo Suarez, the new restaurant is bright and eye-pleasing, with more space than the original.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 10 July 2026

Definition of original

Noun

The crank makes opening and closing easy, and the cloth is UV-resistant and waterproof.

— Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 3 July 2026
Remember, Slate’s promising something with no screens and crank windows; even Ford’s fairly spartan Maverick pickup has that spec sheet handily beat.

— Byron Hurd, The Drive, 24 June 2026

Definition of crank

Noun

So, not a whole lot of epic gunfights for this Western, a rarity in the genre, but there’s a reason the property has stood the test of time.

— Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
Unlike Russell, whose legacy has been beautifully maintained in books, films, and re-releases, Hall’s solo work has only been available as a series of rarities and independent releases.

— Harry Tafoya, Pitchfork, 9 July 2026