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
Along the way, there was an over-the-top, head-scratching marching band interlude and a bloody brawl.
—
Mary McNamara, Los Angeles Times, 21 Mar. 2025
More news: How Evan Engram Transforms Broncos Offense With Bo Nix
The Texans have made some head-scratching moves, such as trading away star left tackle Laremy Tunsil, coincidentally to the Commanders.
—Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 12 Mar. 2025
Here’s the problem: Warner Bros. granted a head-scratching $118 million to spend on production (replicating Pattinson doesn’t come cheap!) and another $80 million on marketing.
—Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 9 Mar. 2025
Determining the exact source of these fake plates and understanding people’s aversion to properly registering their cars have left the Union County Sheriff’s Department with head-scratching questions.
—Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 6 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for head-scratching
Mary McNamara, Los Angeles Times, 21 Mar. 2025
More news: How Evan Engram Transforms Broncos Offense With Bo Nix
The Texans have made some head-scratching moves, such as trading away star left tackle Laremy Tunsil, coincidentally to the Commanders.
—Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 12 Mar. 2025
Here’s the problem: Warner Bros. granted a head-scratching $118 million to spend on production (replicating Pattinson doesn’t come cheap!) and another $80 million on marketing.
—Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 9 Mar. 2025
Determining the exact source of these fake plates and understanding people’s aversion to properly registering their cars have left the Union County Sheriff’s Department with head-scratching questions.
—Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 6 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for head-scratching
Recent Examples of Synonyms for head-scratching
Noun
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However, since the start of 2025, there has been confusion among many in college mental health about how to comply with the intentions of the federal government.—
Eric Wood,
Forbes.com,
21 Apr. 2025
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The bill would directly conflict with federal law, opening the door for homeowners to face confusion regarding what is permitted.—
Julia Bonavita,
FOXNews.com,
21 Apr. 2025
Noun
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On Friday at 12:37 a.m. the NWS Blacksburg VA released a dense fog advisory in effect until 8 a.m.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
11 Apr. 2025
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In Warfare, the fog of war is both a literal and spiritual fact.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
11 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Soon enough, this tangle of typical teenage troubles butts up against a sinister alternate universe, the Upside Down.—
Sarah Bahr,
New York Times,
9 Apr. 2025
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The rubber brushes prevent tangles making long term clean up even easier.—
Carlos Mejia,
PC Magazine,
31 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Head-scratching.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/head-scratching. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
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