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

It was approved by voters into the county charter in 2004 in an effort to preserve the area’s rural character and prevent high-density sprawl from stretching toward the Brevard County line.

— Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026
These private, elevated spaces so intrinsic to the character of the property will remain closed to the public while management seeks a practical solution.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of character

Noun

The immature eccentric initially has no plans to head back to the States, until Christy convinces him to stand tall and fight.

— Derek Lawrence, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Oct. 2026
Step inside, though, and you’re transported to a bucolic Britain of rolling hills and village greens, bumbling eccentrics and cute, clever farm animals.

— Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of eccentric

Noun

In 2021, the women’s 501 ’90s debuted with a looser, roomier leg and a mid-rise waist, offering a relaxed take on the original that has become a modern classic in its own right.

— Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2026
The test isn’t whether the backup looks exactly like the original.

— Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of original

Noun

While Annie seemed like the odd duck out, her closest, idol-holding ally Alex seemed to be considering Sophi as his target, with the goal of taking out his bromance Jake’s other bestie.

— Nick Caruso, TVLine, 2 Oct. 2025
The Incredible Hulk' (2008) Before ultimately being replaced in other movies by Mark Ruffalo, Edward Norton starred as scientist Bruce Banner in this odd duck from the nascent MCU.

— Brian Truitt, USA Today, 25 July 2025

Definition of odd duck

Noun

Despite being a weird device with a black-and-white screen and a crank jutting out the side, the Playdate has managed to cultivate a strong and constantly growing library of games.

— Andrew Webster, The Verge, 9 Oct. 2026
Many spent their days suspended from steel cables, raised and lowered along the mountainside by hand cranks.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of crank

Noun

Bryant’s size 14 pair is not only game-worn, but autographed on both the left and right shoe, which is somewhat of a rarity in the autographed memorabilia space.

— Riley Jones, Footwear News, 28 Oct. 2026
The six gems have not been treated or enhanced, a rarity in the market, per Julian’s, and each has been certified and authenticated by the American Gemological Laboratories.

— Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 27 Oct. 2026