hankies

noun

plural of hankie
as in handkerchiefs
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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hankies
  1. handkerchiefs
  2. towels
Noun
  • Caught unprepared for chemical warfare and lacking standard-issue gas masks, Allied soldiers improvised by covering their mouths and noses with handkerchiefs or pieces of cloth drenched in water or urine.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Fire-resistant clothing should include sturdy shoes, long sleeves and pants, hats, handkerchiefs and high visibility goggles.
    — Hali Smith August 5, Idaho Statesman, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of handkerchiefs
Noun
  • There were no paper towels by the hand wash sink; towels were supplied.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Meanwhile, two sauna masters shovelled ice infused with fragrant oil onto the rocks and performed an Aufguss, a German ritual in which towels are twirled to spread scented air.
    — Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of towels
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.

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hankie
hankies
hanks
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Cite this Entry

“Hankies.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hankies. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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