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 Corn-Sausage Chowder Pork sausage, cream-style corn, evaporated milk, potatoes, and whole-kernel corn come together quickly for a delicious weeknight dinner. — Hannah Agran, Midwest Living, 27 Oct. 2026 There's a kernel of truth to it; Ohtani was clearly limited by several injuries down the stretch, with a lengthy slump accompanying an increase in chase rate and swing and miss. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026 The kernels also give you more control over how to prepare the popcorn. — Vanessa Caceres, Verywell Health, 13 Oct. 2026 According to Farmers’ Almanac, the kernel takes one of three shapes, each representing a different forecast. — Tricia Goss, Southern Living, 7 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for kernel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kernel
  1. root
  2. core
  3. essence
  4. heart
Noun
  • Becoming the first Latino directly elected to California’s highest office is a distinction Becerra was reluctant to promote on the campaign trail, preferring instead to focus on his humble roots.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026
  • The root of Wilson’s resentment is that he was charmed by the pods version of Wilnie, who was temporarily free from real-life concerns and whose only job was to banter with him through a wall.
    — Emma Sharpe, Vulture, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of root
Noun
  • The backstory The first Mandarin Oriental hotel—then called The Mandarin—opened its doors in Hong Kong in 1963 and has remained central to the hotel group’s core values, despite global expansion.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Nov. 2026
  • The Acer laptop earned top marks in both the Cinebench and Geekbench single-core CPU tests, and came in a respectable second place for the Cinebench multi-core and HandBrake video conversion tests.
    — Marshall Honorof, PC Magazine, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of core
Noun
  • Joseph Zada is beyond impressive in a highly demanding role that pushes him to the limit physically and emotionally, perfectly capturing the essence of Haymitch with all the sympathy, charm and bitterness Woody Harrelson brought to the role.
    — Zack Sharf, Variety, 29 Oct. 2026
  • First, the essence of each brand tends to manifest in aesthetics and interaction models.
    — Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of essence
Noun
  • During a recent interview with Fox News Digital, James, 32, opened up about how the project became a deeply personal way to reconnect with Bill, who passed away in February 2017 following heart surgery.
    — Ashley Hume , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Sola Media managing director Solveig Langeland said mixing humor and heart has always sat at the center of the studio’s storytelling, backed by its skill at bringing characters to life through strong voice casts.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 6 Nov. 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 8 Nov. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on kernel

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about kernel

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