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

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-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

Now, after a yearlong delay, an expedition that some believe represents the best chance at solving one of the most enduring mysteries of the 20th century is set to take place this fall.

— Christopher Cann, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2026
That bestselling author of all time whose mysteries make for very good bedtime read-aloud sessions with one’s partner.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of mysteries

Noun

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
Bob Gray is one of the big enigmas in the book that are intentionally put there to create tension and are never solved.

— Scott Huver, Deadline, 26 Apr. 2026

Definition of enigmas

Noun

Previous studies also have found differences between passive sedentary behaviors, such as television watching, and more mentally active ones, including solving puzzles and being mentally engaged during work.

— Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
His passions lie in using AI to solve scientific puzzles, like curing diseases and discovering new materials, and in ensuring that AI doesn’t accidentally cause catastrophic harm to humanity.

— Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of puzzles

Browse Nearby Words

head-scratcher

head-scratchers

head-scratching

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Head-scratchers.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/head-scratchers. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of head-scratchers

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

salvo

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

'Gaslighting,' 'Woke,' 'Democracy,' and Other Top Lookups

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes