as in confusion
a state of mental uncertainty
poorly worded instructions that must have resulted in a lot of head-scratching
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
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
-
The crossing was closed Friday and Saturday because of confusion around operations.—
SAMY MAGDY,
Arkansas Online,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Former Kansas City Chiefs owner Lamar Hunt felt that there would be confusion over the fact that the Super Bowl itself took place the year after the NFL’s regular-season games.—
The Athletic NFL Staff,
New York Times,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Some locally dense fog remains possible Tuesday as dew point temperatures and air temperatures reach the low 60s.—
Newsroom Meteorologist,
Austin American Statesman,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Patchy dense fog will be possible for the inland areas.—
Lissette Gonzalez,
CBS News,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Leaving sheets in the dryer for an extended period gives them more opportunity to wrinkle or tangle.—
Anyssa Roberts,
The Spruce,
5 Feb. 2026
-
The debate took place against the backdrop of a tangle of state policies.—
Shun Graves,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Head-scratching.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/head-scratching. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
