HEAD-SCRATCHERS Synonyms: 20 Similar Words

head-scratchers

noun

plural of head-scratcher

as in mysteries

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

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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-scratchers 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 Some lineup decisions were head-scratchers, but there was a mandate to try to develop the young guys as much as possible, and Warsofsky gave them a longer leash. — Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 24 Apr. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for head-scratchers

Noun

The resort also has its own resident marine biologist, Nairika, who works alongside the dive center to help guests better understand the many mysteries of the ocean on their doorstep.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Yet, despite these extraordinary advances, the brain still holds countless mysteries, with much more left to learn and discover and optogenetics has given us a powerful means to take on these challenges.

— Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of mysteries

Noun

PBHs could help resolve other enigmas, too, for instance by acting as seeds for the rapid growth of supermassive black holes in the early universe.

— Jonathan O'Callaghan, Scientific American, 2 Oct. 2026
Its findings could also unlock clues about dark energy and dark matter, and some of the universe’s biggest enigmas.

— Denise Chow, NBC news, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of enigmas

Noun

Unfortunately, Jenna sucks at puzzles, and Christian (who the editors are still not allowing to talk) is great at them.

— Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 8 Oct. 2026
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.

— Irenie Forshaw, TheWeek, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of puzzles

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head-scratchers

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“Head-scratchers.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/head-scratchers. Accessed 12 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of head-scratchers

noun

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