HEAD-SCRATCHERS Synonyms: 20 Similar Words

head-scratchers

noun

plural of head-scratcher

as in mysteries

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

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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-scratchers The Oscar-winning actor playing Zorro is Jean Dujardin, whose run of awards accolades for The Artist remains one of those peculiar head-scratchers. — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 30 June 2026 The extraordinary strength of that lineup seems even more pronounced following the conclusion of a 2026 festival that, by consensus and by comparison, was a bit of a disappointment—not without its good and even great films, though with many head-scratchers in between. — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 27 May 2026 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for head-scratchers

Noun

Answering that question would allow astrophysicists to address other mysteries, such as the precise threshold where a neutron star will collapse to form a black hole.

— Clara Moskowitz, Scientific American, 28 Sep. 2026
Here are eight of the best thrillers and mysteries set in the terrifying world of television.

— L.M. Chilton, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of mysteries

Noun

Its findings could also unlock clues about dark energy and dark matter, and some of the universe’s biggest enigmas.

— Denise Chow, NBC news, 29 Aug. 2026
In 2024, now grown and with her adoptive father’s approval, the young woman sets off with a wealthy merchant to piece together the historical enigmas surrounding the ancient Sumpa kingdom.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 20 June 2026

Definition of enigmas

Noun

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.

— Irenie Forshaw, TheWeek, 30 Sep. 2026
Little ones can color, solve puzzles, read stories, and more in this booklet.

— Anja Webb, Parents, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of puzzles

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head-scratchers

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“Head-scratchers.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/head-scratchers. Accessed 3 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of head-scratchers

noun

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