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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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of head-scratching
There have still been head-scratching moments with coach Nick Sirianni, but his grip on the team feels more secure.
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C.j. Doon, Baltimore Sun, 26 Nov. 2024
Quarterback Jordan Love is going through the struggles of a sophomore season as a starter, filled with the highs of exquisite passes and the lows of head-scratching turnovers.
—Ben Morse, CNN, 24 Nov. 2024
The head-scratching, counterintuitive part of all of this is that the Cybertruck was the No.3 best selling EV in the U.S. in the third quarter, according to Cox Automotive (Cox’s numbers represent Cybertruck sales pre price drop).
—Brooke Crothers, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024
Skelton: My take on the head-scratching California ballot measures.
—Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for head-scratching 
C.j. Doon, Baltimore Sun, 26 Nov. 2024
Quarterback Jordan Love is going through the struggles of a sophomore season as a starter, filled with the highs of exquisite passes and the lows of head-scratching turnovers.
—Ben Morse, CNN, 24 Nov. 2024
The head-scratching, counterintuitive part of all of this is that the Cybertruck was the No.3 best selling EV in the U.S. in the third quarter, according to Cox Automotive (Cox’s numbers represent Cybertruck sales pre price drop).
—Brooke Crothers, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024
Skelton: My take on the head-scratching California ballot measures.
—Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for head-scratching
Recent Examples of Synonyms for head-scratching
Noun
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There was also confusion concerning Blaise’s whereabouts when Bailey died.Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 16 Dec. 2024
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Avoid using jargon or complex language that could result in any confusion.James Bryant, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Central Florida had a dense fog advisory that lifted around 8 a.m. Cloudy skies are expected to be mostly throughout the area, according to NWS Melbourne.Garfield Hylton, Orlando Sentinel, 20 Dec. 2024
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In east-central Florida, the NWS said there may be widespread dense fog advisory through to 10 a.m. Friday.Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 19 Dec. 2024
Noun
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As the myriad plot points tangle and hit critical mass, supporting players Sarah Goldberg, Trevor White, Miriam Petche and Jay Duplass deliver gems.Carole Horst, Variety, 14 Dec. 2024
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However, when it’s modified, tau can form toxic aggregates – tangles that degrade these key structures.New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near head-scratching
Cite this Entry
“Head-scratching.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/head-scratching. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.
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