head-scratcher

noun

ˈhed-ˌskra-chər How to pronounce head-scratcher (audio)
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

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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 Some even suggested galaxies could still be chock-full of gas but somehow not forming stars, which would be a real head-scratcher for anyone trying to understand stellar nurseries. — Paul Sutter, Space.com, 25 Apr. 2026 The Oscar-winning actor playing Zorro is Jean Dujardin, whose run of awards accolades for The Artist remains one of those peculiar head-scratchers. — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 30 June 2026 The extraordinary strength of that lineup seems even more pronounced following the conclusion of a 2026 festival that, by consensus and by comparison, was a bit of a disappointment—not without its good and even great films, though with many head-scratchers in between. — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 27 May 2026 The 2026 Cannes Film Festival was a little quieter than previous editions, to be sure—there was a dearth of Hollywood blockbusters, some more middling work from respected auteurs, and a few genuine head-scratchers. — Radhika Seth, Vogue, 23 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for head-scratcher
Recent Examples of Synonyms for head-scratcher
mystery
Noun
  • The aesthetic details of what will happen beyond the loading docks have been shrouded in mystery.
    — Meriam Bouarrouj, NBC news, 4 July 2026
  • Now, the historical society hopes community members hold the final missing pieces to the mystery.
    — Rebekah Riess, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
Definition of mystery

Browse Nearby Words

heads
head-scratcher
head-scratchers
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Cite this Entry

“Head-scratcher.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/head-scratcher. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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