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
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
This new spot off Hillcroft served a decent version — except for the head-scratching addition of broccoli, the broth was clear and savory with a meaty bone-in short rib.
—Restaurant Critic, Houston Chronicle, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for head-scratching
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
This new spot off Hillcroft served a decent version — except for the head-scratching addition of broccoli, the broth was clear and savory with a meaty bone-in short rib.
—Restaurant Critic, Houston Chronicle, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for head-scratching
Recent Examples of Synonyms for head-scratching
Noun
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Invite someone in, agree on a clear next step, and follow through together so momentum builds without confusion or mixed signals.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
27 Apr. 2026
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After shooting, there was initial confusion as to what had happened before journalists were able to reach their news outlets to report the details of what unfolded.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
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These sensors enable real-time monitoring across a wide range of conditions, including low light, fog, and obstructed environments, while onboard AI and machine-learning classifiers help identify and flag potential threats.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
27 Apr. 2026
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His 2025 tape, WOMB, embodied this through his pensive grumbles over wispy vocal chops; each bar that cut through the fog was steeped in sober gravitas.—
Olivier Lafontant,
Pitchfork,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
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This can happen due to your natural hair texture, dryness, or environmental stressors like wind, friction from your pillowcase, or pollution—your cuticles can catch on each other like Velcro, Small says, causing tangles.—
Sarah Felbin,
Allure,
26 Apr. 2026
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Across the street, through a thick tangle of forest, the Khodymchuks’ building stood tall and gray in the snow.—
Lizzie Johnson,
New Yorker,
25 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Head-scratching.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/head-scratching. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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