as in roots
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 kernels
In addition to the bacon and sausage, this queso is packed with filling black beans, corn kernels, scallions, cheese, jalapeños, and our favorite, Rotel tomatoes.
—
Josh Miller, Southern Living, 8 Mar. 2026
Additionally, pollination may occur during extreme summer heat, reducing kernels on your cobs.
—Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 5 Mar. 2026
While kernels are often used in beer brewing and pet food, the grain often isn’t used to its fullest potential.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 4 Mar. 2026
Meanwhile, for mojo verde, in the bowl of a food processor combine cilantro, sunflower seed kernels, vinegar, whole garlic, cumin, 1/2 cup olive oil, and the remaining 1/2 cup parsley.
—Chadwick Boyd, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Feb. 2026
Three sisters started Le Prunier by upcycling plum kernels from their family’s century-old organic farm in Northern California.
—Tory Johnson, ABC News, 24 Feb. 2026
The wheel could then be attached to a corn-grinding machine so that each step would help mash the kernels.
—Outside, 31 Jan. 2026
The viral bit last week about essays and questionnaires was perhaps a bit overblown, but there are kernels of truth in there, too.
—Jason Lloyd, New York Times, 30 Jan. 2026
Samantha Spidell attests there were some kernels of truth in his stories.
—Natalie Morales, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026
Josh Miller, Southern Living, 8 Mar. 2026
Additionally, pollination may occur during extreme summer heat, reducing kernels on your cobs.
—Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 5 Mar. 2026
While kernels are often used in beer brewing and pet food, the grain often isn’t used to its fullest potential.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 4 Mar. 2026
Meanwhile, for mojo verde, in the bowl of a food processor combine cilantro, sunflower seed kernels, vinegar, whole garlic, cumin, 1/2 cup olive oil, and the remaining 1/2 cup parsley.
—Chadwick Boyd, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Feb. 2026
Three sisters started Le Prunier by upcycling plum kernels from their family’s century-old organic farm in Northern California.
—Tory Johnson, ABC News, 24 Feb. 2026
The wheel could then be attached to a corn-grinding machine so that each step would help mash the kernels.
—Outside, 31 Jan. 2026
The viral bit last week about essays and questionnaires was perhaps a bit overblown, but there are kernels of truth in there, too.
—Jason Lloyd, New York Times, 30 Jan. 2026
Samantha Spidell attests there were some kernels of truth in his stories.
—Natalie Morales, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kernels
Noun
-
Standing knee-deep in the lo‘i, covered in mud, gently pressing roots into the earth, anchored me in a new way.—
Wassan Al-Khudhairi,
Artforum,
2 Apr. 2026
-
These five artists have combined their Indigenous roots with revolutionary artistic techniques to preserve their cultures in the face of adversity.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Innerspring mattresses have supportive cores made of metal coils and are topped with foam or other layers of padding.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Apr. 2026
-
The bombs’ nuclear warheads weren’t armed, but their plutonium cores were.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The camera briefly returned to the actual game — the Giants’ Landen Roupp threw a pitch to Jorge Polanco, who fouled the ball off his foot — but the booth’s hearts were clearly in the stands.—
Samantha Agate,
Miami Herald,
6 Apr. 2026
-
The location holds a special place in their hearts as the destination of their first annual trip when Shirvell's daughter was 3 years old.—
Kathleen Wong,
USA Today,
6 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The in-store assortment includes hair essences and hydrating mists from Narka; PDRN and exosome scalp serums from Lilyeve, plus other offerings from La’dor, Healing Bird, Refilled and Growus, which are all priced under $40 and focus on innovative formats and ingredients.—
Noor Lobad,
Footwear News,
25 Mar. 2026
-
For those whose skin leans on the drier side, year-round, hydration flooding with essences, toners, and ampoules maximizes hydration without adding unwanted heaviness.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
19 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Kernels.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kernels. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.
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