handkerchief

1
as in madras
a scarf worn on the head tied a handkerchief around her head and set about cleaning out the dust-covered attic

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in towel
a small, often square piece of material that is used for personal hygiene purposes usually dries her hands on her handkerchief when there are no towels available

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 handkerchief For centuries, islanders lined fishing docks below the castle, waving handkerchiefs at ships setting sail for America. Lauren Frayer, NPR, 14 Sep. 2025 The older Burnett would put on a top hat, a black suit, a red tie and a red handkerchief. Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025 The heat was now sweltering, my handkerchief sodden with use. Literary Hub, 3 Sep. 2025 Sparkly snow like a fresh handkerchief had been dropped on the town. Anne Carson, New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for handkerchief
Recent Examples of Synonyms for handkerchief
Noun
  • Standalone cotton twill, madras, linen, rayon and poplin are light, airy and breathable—and therefore should be avoided at all costs.
    Barry Samaha, Robb Report, 5 Jan. 2023
  • Robbie Kendall was waiting on the steps of the tomb in madras shorts and a light blue polo shirt, his blond hair worn just long enough to suggest surfer without actually looking disreputable.
    Nick Romano, EW.com, 12 Dec. 2022
Noun
  • The building popped on Yesavage’s fourth pitch, fans rising and waving towels for his first strikeout.
    Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
  • American Soft Linen 6-Piece Towel Set Even Airbnb owners chasing five-star ratings from visitors swear by this best-selling towel set that includes two bath towels, two hand towels, and two washcloths — all crafted from 100 percent Turkish cotton.
    Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 6 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Kelsey, who was adopted as an infant, sketched out the design for her boxes on an airplane napkin.
    Alana Semuels, Time, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Combs' attorney Brian Steele handed him a napkin as Combs cried watching the video.
    Liam Quinn, PEOPLE, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • In 2020, the duo bounced across the Tropicana Field turf before Game 1, Guerrero spitting seeds with a bandana around his neck and Bichette’s long hair still flowing behind him.
    Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Throughout the show, everyone had green bandannas out, the same ones that street vendors were selling for $7 outside the Prudential Center.
    Jayson Buford, Rolling Stone, 30 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Handkerchief.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/handkerchief. Accessed 12 Oct. 2025.

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