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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Recent Examples of head-scratching
The underdogs are expected to welcome back their top receiver (Drake London), quarterback (Michael Penix Jr.) and multiple DBs (Billy Bowman Jr. and Jessie Bates III) who missed at least part of last week's head-scratching loss.
—
Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2025
Yes, Bo Nix had a head-scratching pick on Denver’s first drive.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 26 Oct. 2025
If that stretch wasn’t enough, Florida returned to another head-scratching theme — an inability to field 11 players — in the fourth quarter.
—Matt Baker, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025
Riley’s most head-scratching play call of the season appeared early in the fourth quarter, with rain steadily falling on Notre Dame Stadium.
—Haley Sawyer, Oc Register, 19 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for head-scratching
Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2025
Yes, Bo Nix had a head-scratching pick on Denver’s first drive.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 26 Oct. 2025
If that stretch wasn’t enough, Florida returned to another head-scratching theme — an inability to field 11 players — in the fourth quarter.
—Matt Baker, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025
Riley’s most head-scratching play call of the season appeared early in the fourth quarter, with rain steadily falling on Notre Dame Stadium.
—Haley Sawyer, Oc Register, 19 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for head-scratching
Recent Examples of Synonyms for head-scratching
Noun
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Toys are supposed to be fun and exciting for children, while some are also educational, but a few products aimed at kids have caused a wave of confusion among adults.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Nov. 2025
-
Clarity awaits amid confusion, Libra.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
8 Nov. 2025
Noun
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In extremely dense fog, drivers are advised to turn on their hazard lights, pull over into a safe place, and if that’s on the side of the road or hard shoulder—turn off all lights except the hazards, engage the hand brake, and wait until the fog lifts.—
Amanda Greenwood,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
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In extremely dense fog where visibility is near zero, the best course of action is to first turn on your hazard lights, then simply pull into a safe location such as a parking lot of a local business, and stop.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
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After spraying this before a braid takedown, my hair was visibly softer and easier to mange through tangles.—
Caché McClay,
USA Today,
7 Nov. 2025
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Having the best brush for your dog will keep its coat free of tangles and might even prevent a big bill at the groomer’s.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
7 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Head-scratching.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/head-scratching. Accessed 14 Nov. 2025.
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