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 head-scratching nature of Volpe’s season has led to boo’s and hot takes around Yankee universe, particularly because of his defense.
—
James O'Connell, New York Daily News, 2 Aug. 2025
Marsh’s men won gold in 2023 at the World Championships, but were disqualified at the Paris Olympics following a head-scratching hand-off in the zone.
—Cory Mull, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
There are some big swings which tip into head-scratching territory, including an ending that doesn’t really work, but as first films go, it’s startlingly assured stuff.
—Taylor Antrim, Vogue, 21 July 2025
The play — and Profar’s head-scratching decision — changed the entire inning for Atlanta, as Olson grounded a comebacker to Stroman, starting a double play.
—Gary Phillips, Hartford Courant, 20 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for head-scratching
James O'Connell, New York Daily News, 2 Aug. 2025
Marsh’s men won gold in 2023 at the World Championships, but were disqualified at the Paris Olympics following a head-scratching hand-off in the zone.
—Cory Mull, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
There are some big swings which tip into head-scratching territory, including an ending that doesn’t really work, but as first films go, it’s startlingly assured stuff.
—Taylor Antrim, Vogue, 21 July 2025
The play — and Profar’s head-scratching decision — changed the entire inning for Atlanta, as Olson grounded a comebacker to Stroman, starting a double play.
—Gary Phillips, Hartford Courant, 20 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for head-scratching
Recent Examples of Synonyms for head-scratching
Noun
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The 30-hour search for a suspect Across the country, the killing of the prominent political figure and media personality – the latest in a string of political violence incidents – had sowed shock and confusion.—
Dalia Faheid,
CNN Money,
13 Sep. 2025
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In one notable instance, antipathy toward business has led to confusion and unnecessary tension.—
Kerry Jackson,
Oc Register,
13 Sep. 2025
Noun
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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,
17 Sep. 2025
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If driving in dense fog, use low beam headlights, slow down, and leave plenty of distance between vehicles.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
17 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Expect flocks of vibrant flamingos and tiny flitting hummingbirds spreading their wings over the turquoise waters and tangles of mangroves that unfold across lagoons that stretch parallel to the sea.—
Carley Rojas Avila,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Sep. 2025
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The Rise Of The Two Philosophies For years, the default approach to multicloud networking was a chaotic, do-it-yourself affair, leading to a fragile, unmanageable tangle of siloed configurations.—
Serge Lucio,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Head-scratching.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/head-scratching. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
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