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 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
-
Multiple helpers can slow response during urgent scams and create confusion when fast decisions matter.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
11 Jan. 2026
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The category confusion continued this year.—
Alli Rosenbloom,
CNN Money,
11 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Farmers week often brings out the rain, wind and fog in a place most people think of as perpetually sunny and 72.—
Kirk Kenney,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 Jan. 2026
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There is also a potential for freezing fog in North and Central Texas for Tuesday and Wednesday morning, according to NWS.—
Shambhavi Rimal,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
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His mind is a tangle of occult connections, a rat king of red thread.—
Hari Kunzru,
Harpers Magazine,
27 Jan. 2026
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One order of cioppino allegedly feeds two people but could sustain a family of four, packed with exclusively shellfish, including a tangle of Dungeness crab legs, squid tentacles, and petite shrimp.—
Becky Duffett,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
27 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Head-scratching.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/head-scratching. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.
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