Synonyms of kernel

kernel

noun

ˈkər-nᵊl 

as in root

the central part or aspect of something under consideration

the kernel of your argument seems to be the inevitability of human migration into space

Synonyms & Similar Words

• root
• core
• essence
• heart
• meat
• point
• nucleus
• sum
• pith
• bottom line
• crux
• gist
• pivot
• sum and substance
• nub
• net
• keynote
• centerpiece
• meat and potatoes
• theme
• subject
• nubbin
• tenor
• bull's-eye
• the long and short
• content
• substance
• direction
• body
• course
• drift
• thesis
• hypothesis
• proposition
• purport

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of kernel

Meanwhile, cook 2 cups yellow corn kernels in a medium skillet, preferably nonstick, over medium heat until warmed through and browned in spots, 6 to 8 minutes. — Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 6 Aug. 2026

The grain is milled whole, with every part of the kernel intact, at Green Valley Farm and Mill the very same day it’s distributed to CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) members. — Laura McLively, Mercury News, 6 Aug. 2026

Eventually, the agents found a Linux kernel exploit that granted them root (or admin) privileges, leading to a rapid escalation in agent activity and attacks. — Justyn Newman, PC Magazine, 6 Aug. 2026

Coding tasks that run longer One of the more demanding tests involved GPU kernel optimization. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 5 Aug. 2026