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
-
My reaction was pure confusion, sarcasm, and not ill-intended.—
Wesley Stenzel,
Entertainment Weekly,
12 Apr. 2026
-
Be careful about your intentions today because an element of confusion (plus the ability to kid yourself) might get you in hot water.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
12 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Some spots will see fog early, especially north of the metro.—
Joseph Dames,
CBS News,
15 Apr. 2026
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During the day, drivers must also turn on their headlights whenever weather conditions, such as rain, fog, snow, or sleet reduce visibility.—
Marley Malenfant,
Austin American Statesman,
10 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The brand’s first Australian outpost is set on Oxford Street—with its longstanding tangle of nightlife, queerness, rebellion, theater, politics, and fashion—which has long served as one of the city’s great cultural arteries.—
Travel + Leisure Editors,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Apr. 2026
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Lowery manifests that vision as a swirling tangle of red fabric that acquires an almost corporeal form, a mesmerizing jolt of color in the sumptuous darkness of DP Andrew Droz Palermo’s visuals (Rina Yang shot the concert scenes).—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
14 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Head-scratching.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/head-scratching. Accessed 18 Apr. 2026.
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