as in confusion
a state of mental uncertainty
poorly worded instructions that must have resulted in a lot of head-scratching
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of head-scratching
The Giants had their share of head-scratching moments during the game.
—
Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 2 Dec. 2025
And head-scratching inefficiency for long stretches.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 1 Dec. 2025
The quirky show just debuted on Apple TV on Nov. 7, 2025 and its myriad head-scratching mysteries are causing quite a pop culture stir.
—Jeff Spry, Space.com, 14 Nov. 2025
The Dallas Cowboys have made some head-scratching moves in 2025 dating back to the preseason, which have both strengthened the interior of the defensive line but also added confusion about the future of the unit.
—Max Dible, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for head-scratching
Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 2 Dec. 2025
And head-scratching inefficiency for long stretches.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 1 Dec. 2025
The quirky show just debuted on Apple TV on Nov. 7, 2025 and its myriad head-scratching mysteries are causing quite a pop culture stir.
—Jeff Spry, Space.com, 14 Nov. 2025
The Dallas Cowboys have made some head-scratching moves in 2025 dating back to the preseason, which have both strengthened the interior of the defensive line but also added confusion about the future of the unit.
—Max Dible, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for head-scratching
Recent Examples of Synonyms for head-scratching
Noun
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While most associations have not encountered this situation to date, being informed and prepared will help prevent confusion, protect resident privacy, and reduce legal risk.—
Peter S. Sachs,
Sun Sentinel,
1 Mar. 2026
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Some users have voiced anger at how the situation was handled, claiming that either Kalshi’s rules should have been communicated more clearly, or that its markets should have been more narrowly worded to avoid confusion.—
Terrence O'Brien,
The Verge,
1 Mar. 2026
Noun
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What sounds like a broadcaster’s signature was born from a son trying to reach his father through the fog of a degenerative disease.—
Ryan Brennan,
Charlotte Observer,
3 Mar. 2026
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Patchy fog may linger in the morning.—
Brandi D. Addison,
IndyStar,
3 Mar. 2026
Noun
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As in his other novels, however, loose ends in many cases get tied up later on, and a seemingly chaotic tangle of yarns suddenly becomes cohesive.—
Carolina A. Miranda,
The Atlantic,
5 Mar. 2026
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In 2021, Gefen and her colleagues published research in the journal Cerebral Cortex showing that super-agers are resistant to neurofibrillary, or tau, tangles, which are abnormal protein buildups tied to Alzheimer’s.—
Lindsey Leake,
NBC news,
26 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Head-scratching.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/head-scratching. Accessed 8 Mar. 2026.
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