Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of handkerchiefs
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
Yardley wasted no time in searching the purse but found nothing except $15, a key and two or three handkerchiefs.
—Peter Zablocki, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Feb. 2025
In addition to acting and directing, Hanks also had a line of stylish handkerchiefs, but the business shut down in December 2022.
—John Russell, People.com, 6 Oct. 2024
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
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
Yardley wasted no time in searching the purse but found nothing except $15, a key and two or three handkerchiefs.
—Peter Zablocki, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Feb. 2025
In addition to acting and directing, Hanks also had a line of stylish handkerchiefs, but the business shut down in December 2022.
—John Russell, People.com, 6 Oct. 2024
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
-
In her hometown of Nara, souvenir shops sell towels emblazoned with her slogans, key chains, stationery, even cookies bearing her likeness alongside that of her political idol, former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.—
Jessie Yeung,
CNN Money,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Etherington’s team responded by rappelling the entire route, hand-cleaning every potential handhold with towels and baby wipes.—
Patrick Brzeski,
HollywoodReporter,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The dogs wore matching big sister bandanas in case something somehow got lost in translation.—
Dana O’Neil,
CNN Money,
7 Feb. 2026
-
Fans visiting the café will also find official merchandise, including Survivor bandanas and shirts.—
Tania Francois,
CBS News,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
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 12 Feb. 2026.
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