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
That would be a head-scratching move for the Browns, as Richardson has played poorly since being selected at No. 4 overall by the Colts in the 2023 NFL Draft.
—
Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 June 2025
Part of that could be attributed to the Knicks face-guarding Haliburton, but the Pacers star has also been prone to these kinds of head-scratching disappearing acts from time to time, which have driven the fan base crazy.
—Eric Koreen, New York Times, 30 May 2025
The Hollywood Reporter was there for the celebrity run-ins, secret conversations and head-scratching sights before and during the ceremony in Sin City.
—Melinda Sheckells, HollywoodReporter, 27 May 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.
—Radhika Seth, Vogue, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for head-scratching
Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 June 2025
Part of that could be attributed to the Knicks face-guarding Haliburton, but the Pacers star has also been prone to these kinds of head-scratching disappearing acts from time to time, which have driven the fan base crazy.
—Eric Koreen, New York Times, 30 May 2025
The Hollywood Reporter was there for the celebrity run-ins, secret conversations and head-scratching sights before and during the ceremony in Sin City.
—Melinda Sheckells, HollywoodReporter, 27 May 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.
—Radhika Seth, Vogue, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for head-scratching
Recent Examples of Synonyms for head-scratching
Noun
-
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed by President Donald Trump last week contains dozens of complex tax and other provisions that have generated confusion and misinformation.—
Danielle Chemtob,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
-
This leads to confusion and frustration when their air conditioning is unexpectedly limited.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
14 July 2025
Noun
-
Using a mosquito 'bucket of doom' is much cheaper than getting a pest control service to come fog or spray your yard.—
Elliott Harrell,
Southern Living,
4 July 2025
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Heavy rain pelted the rescuers, who also battled fog and 45 mph wind gusts, according to officials.—
Sara Schilling
July 2,
Sacbee.com,
2 July 2025
Noun
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Grace and Company Silky Satin Pillowcase Upgrade your nighttime routine with this ultra-smooth satin pillowcase designed to help prevent overnight frizz, tangles, and breakage.—
Toni Sutton,
People.com,
10 July 2025
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By the 20th century, Rome was like any other city, with trains and cars that let people live farther from the urban center and a tangle of highways and suburbs and shopping centers that sprawled far beyond the original fortified walls.—
Krista Langlois,
Smithsonian Magazine,
7 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Head-scratching.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/head-scratching. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.
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