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
Modern cosmic data analysis faces some truly head-scratching algorithmic challenges, demanding not just cleverness, but brand-new ways to hunt for answers across vast conceptual spaces.
—
Paul Sutter,
Space.com,
22 Mar. 2026
The mediocre Queen biopic remains one of the most head-scratching best picture nominees in recent memory.
—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
9 Mar. 2026
The infielder was mocked on social media after a head-scratching baserunning blunder against his former team, the Miami Marlins, in August.
—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
6 Mar. 2026
In one of several head-scratching market developments of the week, ServiceNow’s stock was hammered even though the company reported strong results in just about every relevant metric.
—
Melody Brue,
Forbes.com,
4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for head-scratching
Paul Sutter,
Space.com,
22 Mar. 2026
The mediocre Queen biopic remains one of the most head-scratching best picture nominees in recent memory.
—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
9 Mar. 2026
The infielder was mocked on social media after a head-scratching baserunning blunder against his former team, the Miami Marlins, in August.
—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
6 Mar. 2026
In one of several head-scratching market developments of the week, ServiceNow’s stock was hammered even though the company reported strong results in just about every relevant metric.
—
Melody Brue,
Forbes.com,
4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for head-scratching
Recent Examples of Synonyms for head-scratching
Noun
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Washington Examiner columnist Guy Benson said former President Joe Biden’s moment of confusion at the Obama Presidential Center’s dedication ceremony doesn’t paint a good image for Democrats.
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Some confusion remained Saturday as to the terms of the settlement with the state, how close the parties are to that settlement and how much of the city’s street art would be removed under that agreement.
Noun
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In other words, entire sections of coastline turned into shifting underwater fog banks.
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Sunglasses can fog, slide down, collect sweat or slightly change how the ball looks.
Noun
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Fire up the grill, toast the buns and lean into indulgence with meaty beef patties layered beneath smoky bacon, oozing cheese and sweet onions softened to a slippery tangle.
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Ionic technology helps regulate heat and flatten thick hair types while eliminating frizz, and the ceramic plates deliver a shiny, snag-free finish that's especially useful for thick hair prone to tangles.
Cite this Entry
“Head-scratching.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/head-scratching. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.
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