Definition of head-scratchernext
as in mystery
something hard to understand or explain why he chose to sink all of his money into a failing business is a real head-scratcher

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of head-scratcher That executive pointed to a few of Stearns’ deals that proved to be head-scratchers, such as the contracts for Frankie Montas and Sean Manaea ahead of the 2025 season. — Tim Britton, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2026 Adapting this expansive story still proves to be a head-scratcher for Hollywood. — Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Sep. 2026 The news was a head-scratcher for fans who know how the beloved motorcycle gang drama ended — most of the major characters were killed off, including Hunnam’s Jax in an epic finale sendoff. — Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 10 Sep. 2026 After an impressive solo promo last week, the move feels like a head-scratcher. — Rob Wolkenbrod, Forbes.com, 4 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for head-scratcher
Recent Examples of Synonyms for head-scratcher
mystery
Noun
  • But genuinely funny moments are rare, badly outnumbered by done-to-death musings regarding the mysteries of being alive and torturous melodramatic moments in which Klara dully absorbs the severity of Josie’s illness and Chrissy’s sorrow.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Genres run from crime thrillers and detective mysteries to folklore horror, social and courtroom drama, and romance.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 22 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Head-scratcher.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/head-scratcher. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster