Synonyms of handkerchiefs

handkerchiefs

noun

variants also handkerchieves

plural of handkerchief

1

as in madrases

a scarf worn on the head

tied a handkerchief around her head and set about cleaning out the dust-covered attic

Synonyms & Similar Words

• madrases
• bandannas
• kerchiefs
• mantillas
• babushkas
• shawls
• do-rags
• hankies

2

as in towels

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

• towels
• napkins
• hankies
• kerchiefs
• tissues
• serviettes
• bandannas

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of handkerchiefs

That great-grandfather, Gurbachan Singh Maan, had come to Britain in the 1930s as a peddler, walking the lanes of southeast England with a bicycle and an armful of scarves, towels and handkerchiefs. — Afdhel Aziz, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

Some were seen drying their eyes with handkerchiefs in a Reuters live video of the scene. — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 5 July 2026

Lopez wore three custom Ralph Lauren gowns – one a revamp of the designer's turtleneck column dress made with 1,000 handkerchiefs. — Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 3 July 2026

It should not be embroidered on such articles as cushions or handkerchiefs and the like, printed or otherwise impressed on paper napkins or boxes or anything that is designed for temporary use and discarded. — Darleene Powells, Boston Herald, 10 June 2026

Their masters stood nearby, traders in thick mantle coats with handkerchiefs wrapped round their heads, smoking and chatting in French. — Literary Hub, 26 May 2026

In September, seek out Independence Day traditions like cueca (a folk dance with handkerchiefs) on street corners and at week-long fondas (pop-up fairs). — Mark Johanson, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 May 2026

Had Otello understood that all the world is a joke, as Falstaff startlingly reveals at the end of the opera, Iago would never have been able to poison Otello’s susceptible frail ego with his ridiculous tales of handkerchiefs and what-not. — Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2026

Some journalists attending this year’s dinner have unveiled plans to wear pocket handkerchiefs or lapel pins with the words of the First Amendment. — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 20 Apr. 2026