as in mystery
something hard to understand or explain
why he chose to sink all of his money into a failing business is a real head-scratcher
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Recent Examples of head-scratcher
Some lineup decisions were head-scratchers, but there was a mandate to try to develop the young guys as much as possible, and Warsofsky gave them a longer leash.
—
Curtis Pashelka,
Mercury News,
24 Apr. 2026
The Nuggets jumped out to a 44-25 lead early in the second quarter only to see a potential laugher quickly turn into a head-scratcher.
—
CBS News,
21 Apr. 2026
The two big investments in their front seven — particularly Phillips’ whopping four-year, $120 million deal — also meant the Panthers would have to exercise financial prudence with their other additions, at least one of which was a head-scratcher.
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Joseph Person,
New York Times,
11 Mar. 2026
One head-scratcher in the poll was the voters’ denial about their political polarization.
—
Los Angeles Times,
2 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for head-scratcher
Curtis Pashelka,
Mercury News,
24 Apr. 2026
The Nuggets jumped out to a 44-25 lead early in the second quarter only to see a potential laugher quickly turn into a head-scratcher.
—
CBS News,
21 Apr. 2026
The two big investments in their front seven — particularly Phillips’ whopping four-year, $120 million deal — also meant the Panthers would have to exercise financial prudence with their other additions, at least one of which was a head-scratcher.
—
Joseph Person,
New York Times,
11 Mar. 2026
One head-scratcher in the poll was the voters’ denial about their political polarization.
—
Los Angeles Times,
2 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for head-scratcher
Recent Examples of Synonyms for head-scratcher
mystery
Noun
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The delightful and deceptively deep family mystery comedy stars Hugh Jackman as an English shepherd (Hugh Jackman) who is found dead.
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Exactly what to expect from Toney, who most received the title of EA Sports College Football 27 cover athlete, remains a bit of mystery.
Cite this Entry
“Head-scratcher.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/head-scratcher. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.
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