variants or hanky
Definition of hankienext
as in handkerchief
a small, often square piece of material that is used for personal hygiene purposes held a hankie up to his nose and blew vigorously

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 hankie Never leave the house without a clean hanky. — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 12 Oct. 2025 Far from signaling misery, crying can be a source of pleasure, as when people pay good money to read a tearjerker or watch a three-hankie movie. — Big Think, 23 Sep. 2025 If the refs keep their yellow hankies in their pockets, the Bills will secure a last second victory. — Bill Reinhard, New York Daily News, 23 Jan. 2025 If you’re headed to the Soraya, don’t worry about taking too many hankies — the tragedy takes a back seat to the comedy, though the former is deeply felt in the few moments where Newman is really going for it. — Chris Willman, Variety, 28 Sep. 2024 See All Example Sentences for hankie
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hankie
Noun
  • People’s handkerchiefs would come away from their foreheads stained with soot.
    — Daliah Singer, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Paden’s father, Jim Paden, wiped away tears with a handkerchief at the sight of his son in handcuffs and clad in an orange jail garb.
    — Glenn Rice, Kansas City Star, 21 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • For wet sweaters and other heavy garments, Gagliardi recommends rolling them in a clean, dry towel and gently pressing out the moisture.
    — Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Hot water can cause shrinking, fraying, and pilling, which shortens the lifespan of your towels.
    — Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Sep. 2026

Cite this Entry

“Hankie.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hankie. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.

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