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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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-scratcher
At the time, the trade was a head-scratcher from the Eagles' side, considering the value Gardner-Johnson brought to the Eagles' defensive backfield.
—
Justin Grasso, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Aug. 2025
In what began as a head-scratcher for the players themselves, 300 tons of sand were poured into the Intuit Dome, turning the Clippers’ arena into a pop-up beach — where the L.A. Launch kept their perfect run afloat for the start of AVP League Week 5.
—Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2025
And that’s why his new drug pricing strategy — while well-intended — is a real head-scratcher.
—Michelle Flowers, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 July 2025
The director’s latest feature, Jimmy Jaguar, is another brooding head-scratcher, one that’s equal parts fascinating and frustrating.
—Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for head-scratcher
Justin Grasso, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Aug. 2025
In what began as a head-scratcher for the players themselves, 300 tons of sand were poured into the Intuit Dome, turning the Clippers’ arena into a pop-up beach — where the L.A. Launch kept their perfect run afloat for the start of AVP League Week 5.
—Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2025
And that’s why his new drug pricing strategy — while well-intended — is a real head-scratcher.
—Michelle Flowers, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 July 2025
The director’s latest feature, Jimmy Jaguar, is another brooding head-scratcher, one that’s equal parts fascinating and frustrating.
—Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for head-scratcher
Recent Examples of Synonyms for head-scratcher
mystery
Noun
-
But there’s a whole lot else going on here besides, beginning with that aforementioned lobby encounter between Mathias and blonde mystery woman Claude (Nadia Tereszkiewicz, more breathily reminiscent than ever of a younger Marion Cotillard).—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
27 Sep. 2025
-
This is a literary thriller, mystery and an ode to true crime all wrapped up in one.—
Carly Tagen-Dye,
PEOPLE,
27 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Head-scratcher.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/head-scratcher. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share