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Recent Examples of handkerchiefs
Particular mostly to Louisiana weddings, the second line parade is quite the celebratory tradition in which a brass band and parasol-wielding newlyweds lead their guests, who wave handkerchiefs or napkins, on a festive jaunt through the city (or around their reception venue).
—
Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 27 Feb. 2026
The showing marked a sharp contrast from the 2025 Gala, which had featured less advanced versions of the robots twirling handkerchiefs in a wobbly folk dance.
—Dylan Butts,matthew Chin, CNBC, 20 Feb. 2026
The touches of personal embroidery on little muslin handkerchiefs and the ‘ghost’ handbags were a clever touch.
—Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 27 Jan. 2026
Some are silky, some are spikey, and some — like the one worn by stately maidservant Hero, played by Emma Corrin — look like handkerchiefs delicately dropped from a great height onto the head of its wearer.
—Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 5 Dec. 2025
The fans responded by waving their white handkerchiefs, the ultimate sign of disapproval.
—Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
For centuries, islanders lined fishing docks below the castle, waving handkerchiefs at ships setting sail for America.
—Lauren Frayer, NPR, 14 Sep. 2025
By 1843, veterans regularly received navy blue jackets, pairs of cotton and linen trousers, flannel drawers and shirts, socks, pairs of shoes, white and checked cotton shirts, silk and cotton handkerchiefs, and hats.
— Made By History, TIME, 20 Mar. 2025
In September, seek out Independence Day traditions like cueca (a historical folk dance with handkerchiefs) on street corners and in rodeos in the countryside.
—Patricia Garip, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 June 2022
Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 27 Feb. 2026
The showing marked a sharp contrast from the 2025 Gala, which had featured less advanced versions of the robots twirling handkerchiefs in a wobbly folk dance.
—Dylan Butts,matthew Chin, CNBC, 20 Feb. 2026
The touches of personal embroidery on little muslin handkerchiefs and the ‘ghost’ handbags were a clever touch.
—Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 27 Jan. 2026
Some are silky, some are spikey, and some — like the one worn by stately maidservant Hero, played by Emma Corrin — look like handkerchiefs delicately dropped from a great height onto the head of its wearer.
—Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 5 Dec. 2025
The fans responded by waving their white handkerchiefs, the ultimate sign of disapproval.
—Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
For centuries, islanders lined fishing docks below the castle, waving handkerchiefs at ships setting sail for America.
—Lauren Frayer, NPR, 14 Sep. 2025
By 1843, veterans regularly received navy blue jackets, pairs of cotton and linen trousers, flannel drawers and shirts, socks, pairs of shoes, white and checked cotton shirts, silk and cotton handkerchiefs, and hats.
— Made By History, TIME, 20 Mar. 2025
In September, seek out Independence Day traditions like cueca (a historical folk dance with handkerchiefs) on street corners and in rodeos in the countryside.
—Patricia Garip, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 June 2022
Recent Examples of Synonyms for handkerchiefs
Noun
-
Skipping Fabric Sorting Most of us are probably guilty of throwing our shirts in with our jeans and our towels on occasion.—
Heather Bien,
Southern Living,
23 Feb. 2026
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In a region suffering from years of drought, Hotel Casa del Limonero has implemented conscious consumption measures (in addition to the pool's reduction, sheets and towels are changed every three days unless requested otherwise) and gentle reminders throughout about Andalusia's precious resource.—
Ryan Craggs,
Travel + Leisure,
23 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The dogs wore matching big sister bandanas in case something somehow got lost in translation.—
Dana O’Neil,
CNN Money,
7 Feb. 2026
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Fans visiting the café will also find official merchandise, including Survivor bandanas and shirts.—
Tania Francois,
CBS News,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
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At the funeral for Pope Francis in April, Jill Biden, Queen Letizia of Spain, Princess Charlene of Monaco and Queen Rania of Jordan were among the high-profile royals and global dignitaries who wore mantillas with their mourning attire.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
23 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Handkerchiefs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/handkerchiefs. Accessed 2 Mar. 2026.
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