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Recent Examples of handkerchiefs
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
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
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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for handkerchiefs
Noun
-
Scrape the ricotta from the towels and transfer it to a large bowl.—
Kate Williams,
AJC.com,
18 May 2026
-
The towels activate instantly with water -- just wet, wring, and shake for a refreshing cool, ideal for workouts, commutes, sports, dog walks or hot flashes.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
16 May 2026
Noun
-
This collection, the first celebrity collab for Lee, brings men's and women's clothing, fun bag charms, patchwork denim bags and even adorable pet shirts and bandanas -- over 100 items in total -- to shoppers for accessible prices ranging from $6 to $42.—
Kelsey Legg,
ABC News,
19 May 2026
-
Even children will have perfectly tied bandanas adorning their necks.—
Lane Nieset,
Travel + Leisure,
13 May 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 23 May. 2026.
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