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
What’s a deadline without a head-scratcher to shake things up?
—Shayna Goldman, The Athletic, 6 Mar. 2025
Granted, bad movies usually don't get a shot at taking the biggest prize on Oscar night, but mediocre projects, occasional head-scratchers and the odd controversial pot-stirrer do make their way into best picture from time to time – and some even win.
—Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 27 Feb. 2025
Considering how picky Moore became with projects later in her career, this one’s a bit of a head-scratcher.
—Eddie Mouradian, Vulture, 24 Feb. 2025
Even so, Byron’s offseason absence was still a head-scratcher at Hendrick Motorsports.
—Edgar Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 17 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for head-scratcher
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Shayna Goldman, The Athletic, 6 Mar. 2025
Granted, bad movies usually don't get a shot at taking the biggest prize on Oscar night, but mediocre projects, occasional head-scratchers and the odd controversial pot-stirrer do make their way into best picture from time to time – and some even win.
—Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 27 Feb. 2025
Considering how picky Moore became with projects later in her career, this one’s a bit of a head-scratcher.
—Eddie Mouradian, Vulture, 24 Feb. 2025
Even so, Byron’s offseason absence was still a head-scratcher at Hendrick Motorsports.
—Edgar Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 17 Feb. 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 10 Mar. 2025.
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