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 head-scratching nature of Volpe’s season has led to boo’s and hot takes around Yankee universe, particularly because of his defense.
—
James O'Connell, New York Daily News, 2 Aug. 2025
Marsh’s men won gold in 2023 at the World Championships, but were disqualified at the Paris Olympics following a head-scratching hand-off in the zone.
—Cory Mull, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
There are some big swings which tip into head-scratching territory, including an ending that doesn’t really work, but as first films go, it’s startlingly assured stuff.
—Taylor Antrim, Vogue, 21 July 2025
The play — and Profar’s head-scratching decision — changed the entire inning for Atlanta, as Olson grounded a comebacker to Stroman, starting a double play.
—Gary Phillips, Hartford Courant, 20 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for head-scratching
James O'Connell, New York Daily News, 2 Aug. 2025
Marsh’s men won gold in 2023 at the World Championships, but were disqualified at the Paris Olympics following a head-scratching hand-off in the zone.
—Cory Mull, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
There are some big swings which tip into head-scratching territory, including an ending that doesn’t really work, but as first films go, it’s startlingly assured stuff.
—Taylor Antrim, Vogue, 21 July 2025
The play — and Profar’s head-scratching decision — changed the entire inning for Atlanta, as Olson grounded a comebacker to Stroman, starting a double play.
—Gary Phillips, Hartford Courant, 20 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for head-scratching
Recent Examples of Synonyms for head-scratching
Noun
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Indeed, there has been confusion over how many shots were fired when Finicum was killed and who fired them.—
Nicole Blanchard,
Idaho Statesman,
7 Sep. 2025
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But that means there’s even more opportunity for confusion.—
John Werner,
Forbes.com,
7 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Citations for not having headlights on during rain, fog or smoke and for not wearing a seatbelt were also dismissed.—
Christopher Cann,
USA Today,
10 Sep. 2025
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In the summer of 2025, the Faroes experienced a heat wave of sorts, with temperatures up to the low twenties (Celsius) and several days of almost no rain and fog only in the morning.—
Mattias Goldmann,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
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English also says that protective or tight styles can also lead to matting if left in too long, by compacting tangles at the base.—
Grace McCarty,
Glamour,
5 Sep. 2025
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Aside from Blast vacuuming, the X9 improves on the X8 by adding zero-tangle technology to the side brush and the main brush.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
4 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Head-scratching.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/head-scratching. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.
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