KENNING Synonyms: 119 Similar and Opposite Words

kenning 1 of 2

noun

Definition of kenning

chiefly Scottish

as in halfpenny

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Dissimilar Words

kenning

2 of 2

verb

present participle of ken, chiefly Scottish

as in fathoming

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Dissimilar Words

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 kenning

Noun

This is a kenning that evokes a natural transition to darkness and also an unfinished human endeavor. — Jonah Walters, Longreads, 24 Oct. 2024 Most of the writers attempting to imitate Tolkien weren’t steeped in the rhythm of Old English kennings, or the spiritual yearning of chivalric romance. — Matthew Gavin Frank, Harper's Magazine, 2 June 2023 My favorite parts of the book are those where there's a new kenning. — Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 14 Apr. 2023

Recent Examples of Synonyms for kenning

Noun

Indeed, in 2023, his music earned him just shy of $200,000, about one halfpenny at a time.

— Brett Martin, New York Times, 31 Mar. 2024
In nineteenth-century England, tailors would place old halfpennies in the pockets of a man’s new suit for good luck.

— Hua Hsu, The New Yorker, 18 Sep. 2023

Definition of halfpenny

Verb

For starters, even though federal law requires hospitals to list their prices publicly, fathoming these files is almost impossible.

— Rufina Chow, NBC news, 3 Apr. 2026
However, Chiefs veteran center Creed Humphrey says his team won't be listening to those, or even fathoming the thought of panicking.

— Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 18 Nov. 2025

Definition of fathoming

Noun

Furthermore, the collaboration advanced a large-area ammonia compressor, which could bring this whisper-quiet technology closer to commercial use in noise-sensitive environments like hospitals, schools, and homes.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 6 Aug. 2026
Delicate Japanese simplicity prevails while leaving whispers of the original French palatial style—such as distinctive moldings that are unique to the building.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of whisper

Verb

Yet American students and scholars flocked in droves to theory, perceiving in its recondite abstractions a thrilling new way of understanding the world—even, some believed, of changing it.

— Emily Eakin, Harpers Magazine, 28 July 2026
Yet much of the public has long since stopped perceiving him as such.

— Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 28 July 2026

Definition of perceiving

Noun

Tiny bugs float in the sun like dust motes, and there are graceful flies large enough to require a runway landing.

— John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 4 May 2026
Sunbeams through the windows illuminate floating dust motes—and, imperceptibly, microdroplets of mucus carrying the measles virus, expelled from an infected but asymptomatic child who is hopping and laughing among the others.

— Elizabeth Bruenig, The Atlantic, 12 Feb. 2026

Definition of mote

Verb

Police posted video of the raid on social media, showing officers collecting evidence at the scene and apprehending the suspect.

— CBS News, CBS News, 13 June 2026
The Nodaway County Sheriff’s Office, United States Marshals Service and New Mexico State Police assisted in apprehending Jones, Hann said.

— Caroline Zimmerman May 28, Kansas City Star, 28 May 2026

Definition of apprehending

Noun

Replicating the process that stars use to produce energy, nuclear fusion typically sees hydrogen atoms fuse to form helium and release large amounts of energy as a by-product.

— Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 3 Aug. 2026
In gases, such as air, atoms and molecules are separated from each other by lots of space.

— Robin Macaluso, The Conversation, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of atom

Verb

Boss Arne Slot has also moved on, following an underwhelming second season at the helm.

— Graham Ruthven, New York Times, 7 Aug. 2026
But Ukraine has a layered array of defenses against the relatively slow-flying ones, and its counter-drone expertise has been in demand following the US-Iran war.

— Nathan Hodge, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of following

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Style

“Kenning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kenning. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of kenning

noun

verb

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