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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 kernels
Blitz the kernels with herbs, garlic, and vinegar for a lush, creamy sauce without dairy.
—
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
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook until the liquid is absorbed and the kernels are tender, about 15 minutes.
—Riley Wofford, Martha Stewart, 3 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
An on-board grain feeder delivers the corn kernels into a delivery truck which drives it to a packaging center.
—Sabbir Rangwala, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
It’s served alongside a slab of cold sweet potato and garnished with hefty kernels of the dent corn called choclo.
—Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 26 Dec. 2025
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
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook until the liquid is absorbed and the kernels are tender, about 15 minutes.
—Riley Wofford, Martha Stewart, 3 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
An on-board grain feeder delivers the corn kernels into a delivery truck which drives it to a packaging center.
—Sabbir Rangwala, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
It’s served alongside a slab of cold sweet potato and garnished with hefty kernels of the dent corn called choclo.
—Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 26 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kernels
Noun
-
The Jackson family wanted to make sure their patriarch, a native of Greenville, South Carolina, returned to his roots on the East Coast.—
Darius Johnson,
CBS News,
26 Feb. 2026
-
Its slender stems branch out from the mother plant and form roots wherever the leaf nodes touch the soil.—
Megan Hughes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
26 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
This could answer the question of why stars aren't as densely packed into the cores of galaxy clusters as astronomers expect.—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
20 Feb. 2026
-
The stars eventually go supernova, and their respective cores collapse to form black holes containing as much as 100 times the mass of the sun.—
Phil Plait,
Scientific American,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Today, our broken hearts have been lifted at the news that no one is above the law, not even royalty.—
Janelle Ash , Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa,
FOXNews.com,
23 Feb. 2026
-
Nine hearts were on display for the nine victims, six of whom were clients on the three-day skiing trip, and the other three were their guides.—
Kayla Moeller,
CBS News,
23 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The spa uses oils and essences from the hotel's medicinal garden, while the treatment rooms are set within the former convent's nuns' cells.—
Jenn Rice,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Feb. 2026
-
Skin care leads the conversation, alongside a growing focus on niche fragrances, refined essences and wellness treatments.—
Rhonda Richford,
Footwear News,
22 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Kernels.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kernels. Accessed 27 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
