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
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Recent Examples of kernel
Are these really the first kernels of the Justice League for you in the DCU?
—
EW.com, 18 July 2025
In its natural state, a whole kernel of wheat has three layers underneath the outer husk.
—Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 17 July 2025
Perhaps that’s why Hook’s japes hold a kernel of wisdom; the knowledge that when all else fails, finding the fun in absurd chaos (say, on a quiet London street) is an apt response to a chaotic world.
—Daniel Seifert, JSTOR Daily, 16 July 2025
One ear of fresh corn equals about 1/2 cup of kernels.
—Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for kernel
EW.com, 18 July 2025
In its natural state, a whole kernel of wheat has three layers underneath the outer husk.
—Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 17 July 2025
Perhaps that’s why Hook’s japes hold a kernel of wisdom; the knowledge that when all else fails, finding the fun in absurd chaos (say, on a quiet London street) is an apt response to a chaotic world.
—Daniel Seifert, JSTOR Daily, 16 July 2025
One ear of fresh corn equals about 1/2 cup of kernels.
—Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for kernel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kernel
Noun
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The business traces its roots to 1949 when Joseph Gibeley, a Depression-era hat salesman, opened a kiosk and then a store in Salem, Mass.—
Jean E. Palmieri,
Footwear News,
1 Aug. 2025
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Without taking care of the root cause, new rodents can move in and continue to chew through repairs or other wiring throughout your home, perpetuating the cycle of hazards.—
Quincy Bulin,
Southern Living,
1 Aug. 2025
Noun
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The shocker is a plot of earth’s temperature, obtained from ice cores and lake sediments, tracks minima and maxima of the sunspot plot at six different times between 1600 and 2000.—
Ian Dexter Palmer,
Forbes.com,
4 Aug. 2025
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If Coleman, Johnson and Manning form the core, Olugbode and Loyd are emerging as the most likely candidates to round out the rotation — and possibly push for larger roles as the season unfolds.—
Zach Sweet,
Kansas City Star,
3 Aug. 2025
Noun
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To capture the true essence of the college, the Netflix movie was filmed inside the school buildings and at various spots around the university.—
Caroline Blair,
People.com,
5 Aug. 2025
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Empower responded, in essence, that retirement savers deserve a crack at the lucrative private investment market, after decades of exclusion.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
5 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Our son’s bed started just burning in the shape of a heart.—
Katie Mannion,
People.com,
28 July 2025
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Adam always finds a way to keep Cam's memory alive which warms our heart.—
Lauren Huff,
EW.com,
28 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Kernel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kernel. Accessed 8 Aug. 2025.
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