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
-
Coleman made his name as the co-founder of London’s Caravan restaurants and coffee roasters, and Coulton’s roots are in management consultancy.—
Bella Webb,
Vogue,
12 Mar. 2026
-
Bob Johnson’s SoCal roots include coaching Los Amigos from 1970-72.—
Dan Albano,
Oc Register,
12 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Other prominent arsenic peaks, alongside major sulfate peaks, likely indicate major volcanic events that align with records of 13th century eruptions recorded in Greenland and Antarctic ice cores.—
Nidhi Sharma,
Popular Science,
13 Mar. 2026
-
The Core Ultra 7 270K Plus effectively replaces the Core Ultra 9 285K, packing eight Performance cores (P-cores) and 16 Efficient cores (E-cores).—
Michael Justin Allen Sexton,
PC Magazine,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Please pour out your love over everyone in this house and touch everyone’s hearts today.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
16 Mar. 2026
-
Clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose — the Oscars, anyway.—
Katey Psencik,
Austin American Statesman,
16 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Getz agrees, describing essences as the foundation of proper hydration.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Korean scalp treatments often come in lightweight, fast-absorbing liquids, essences, or refreshing tonics designed to be massaged directly into the scalp without leaving hair greasy or weighed down.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
24 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Kernels.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kernels. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.
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