kernel

noun

ˈkər-nᵊl How to pronounce kernel (audio)
Definition of kernelnext
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

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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 kernel Toss it on the grill for an easy weeknight side, boil it for buttery corn on the cob at family dinners, or slice the kernels into a bright summer corn salad for barbecues and potlucks. — Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 24 June 2026 The kernels should develop dark golden spots without becoming overly blackened. — Staff, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026 Instead of the uranium rods found in standard commercial reactors, the company uses tri-structural isotropic fuel kernels made from thorium. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 3 July 2026 The software is KeyOS, a microkernel written in Rust with about 9,000 lines of code in the kernel, against the tens of millions in Linux or macOS. — Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for kernel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kernel
  1. root
  2. core
  3. essence
  4. heart
Noun
  • The roots of the fall-out stretch back to 2019, before filming for the franchise’s fourth feature instalment began, when Margera signed a wellness agreement with the producers which committed him to sobriety amid his struggles with alcoholism.
    — Mattha Busby, Rolling Stone, 3 July 2026
  • Simply apply 1 to 2 inches of natural mulch, like bark mulch, over the roots of your plants to lock in soil moisture and keep the mulch line at least 1 inch away from the plant's stems.
    — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 July 2026
Definition of root
Noun
  • The core party at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum will feature performances by acts including the Smashing Pumpkins, Maren Morris and Anthony Ramos, according to the America 250 website.
    — Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 4 July 2026
  • The most severe risk is heat stroke, which occurs when the body's cooling mechanism fails entirely, potentially driving core body temperatures to 103 degrees Fahrenheit or higher within minutes.
    — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 4 July 2026
Definition of core
Noun
  • The intimate hotel opens for the season in mid-to-late April, and encapsulates the essence of Broad Street, which is known for hyper-local boutiques and restaurants.
    — Maya Kachroo-Levine, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026
  • At nighttime, my typical routine is a double-cleanse, essence, Prismatic+, retinol, and richer cream.
    — Sarah Han, Allure, 6 July 2026
Definition of essence
Noun
  • Their coupling instantly captured the attention and hearts of fans around the world, and Swift’s presence at Chiefs games was even credited with bolstering female interest in NFL football.
    — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • His update on the C-cut began just below the chin, with extra lift at the roots and inward-curving lengths that narrowed toward the ends to create the illusion of a heart.
    — Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 3 July 2026
Definition of heart

Browse Nearby Words

kerfuffles
kernel
kernels
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Cite this Entry

“Kernel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kernel. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on kernel

Nglish: Translation of kernel for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about kernel

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