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
Therein lies the biggest head-scratcher of how the Butler drama played out.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 25 Mar. 2025
Unless there is more information on McMillan that the public doesn't know, his fall in mock drafts as April draws nearer is a head-scratcher.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 19 Mar. 2025
No, that's not just a reference to Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie's choice of platinum ticket winner in this week's episode of ABC's singing competition (Sundays, 8 p.m. ET/PT), which was a bit of a head-scratcher.
—Kimi Robinson, USA TODAY, 17 Mar. 2025
Our sports writers tick off the big moves, head-scratchers and unanswered questions so far.
—Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for head-scratcher
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 25 Mar. 2025
Unless there is more information on McMillan that the public doesn't know, his fall in mock drafts as April draws nearer is a head-scratcher.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 19 Mar. 2025
No, that's not just a reference to Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie's choice of platinum ticket winner in this week's episode of ABC's singing competition (Sundays, 8 p.m. ET/PT), which was a bit of a head-scratcher.
—Kimi Robinson, USA TODAY, 17 Mar. 2025
Our sports writers tick off the big moves, head-scratchers and unanswered questions so far.
—Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 13 Mar. 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 1 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share