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

At a time when so much contemporary art jockeys to be spectacular, Op de Beeck’s whispers, both commanding and requiring your attention.

— Miles Socha, Footwear News, 11 Sep. 2026
In a fitting homage, the whiskey's whisper of a smoky, campfire-like finish sets it apart among Kentucky's expansive bourbon scene.

— Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of whisper

Verb

Here’s what to know—and why consumers may be perceiving a greater number of outbreaks than usual, despite what the data shows.

— Rebecca Schneid, Time, 26 Aug. 2026
Many are dissatisfied with democracy, perceiving participation as mere consultation without consequence.

— Belonging Forum, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 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

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation initially contacted Roswell police and asked for assistance locating and apprehending Spruill.

— Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
She’s tasked with apprehending The Puppet Master (Iemasa Kayumi), a hacker who appears to be tapping directly into these networked minds and altering memories.

— David Faris, TheWeek, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of apprehending

Noun

Today, scientists understand cosmic rays as fast-moving nuclei – the heavy centers of atoms – from mostly hydrogen.

— Jesse Liu, The Conversation, 14 Sep. 2026
Different atoms shine in subtly different hues, so the spectrum provided a sense of what the object’s particles were doing.

— Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of atom

Verb

Daily Fiction By Genevieve Plunkett The following is from Genevieve Plunkett's The Lonely Girl's Vegetable Patch.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 Sep. 2026
Ties between the two countries, which had deteriorated sharply following a deadly border skirmish in 2020, have been thawing for more than a year.

— Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of following

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Style

“Kenning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kenning. Accessed 20 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of kenning

noun

verb

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