head-scratcher
noun
head-scratch·er
ˈhed-ˌskra-chər 
plural head-scratchers
informal
: something that is confusing, mysterious, or hard to understand
We love college football for nothing if not the belief—hope even—that at any moment the unexpected could happen. Young as it is, this season has already provided its share of jaw-droppers and head-scratchers.—
Holly Anderson
Holly AndersonExamples of head-scratcher in a Sentence
why he chose to sink all of his money into a failing business is a real head-scratcher
Recent Examples on the Web
In what began as a head-scratcher for the players themselves, 300 tons of sand were poured into the Intuit Dome, turning the Clippers’ arena into a pop-up beach — where the L.A. Launch kept their perfect run afloat for the start of AVP League Week 5.
—Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2025
And that’s why his new drug pricing strategy — while well-intended — is a real head-scratcher.
—Michelle Flowers, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 July 2025
The director’s latest feature, Jimmy Jaguar, is another brooding head-scratcher, one that’s equal parts fascinating and frustrating.
—Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 8 July 2025
On the other end of that draft night head-scratcher was Atlanta, one of several teams hungry to capitalize on a talent shortage in the East.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for head-scratcher
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Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2025
And that’s why his new drug pricing strategy — while well-intended — is a real head-scratcher.
—Michelle Flowers, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 July 2025
The director’s latest feature, Jimmy Jaguar, is another brooding head-scratcher, one that’s equal parts fascinating and frustrating.
—Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 8 July 2025
On the other end of that draft night head-scratcher was Atlanta, one of several teams hungry to capitalize on a talent shortage in the East.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for head-scratcher
Cite this Entry
“Head-scratcher.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/head-scratcher. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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