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
Crispy, salty pancetta, two types of cheese, sweet corn kernels, and a parsley-panko bread crumb topping will have everyone coming back for another scoop.
—
Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Feb. 2026
Stir, then cover and cook for another 5 to 7 minutes, until the liquid is absorbed and the kernels are tender.
—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
Like corn kernels in slowly heating oil, the orca sightings began sparse and unpredictable.
—Kelso Harper, Scientific American, 16 Dec. 2025
Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Feb. 2026
Stir, then cover and cook for another 5 to 7 minutes, until the liquid is absorbed and the kernels are tender.
—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
Like corn kernels in slowly heating oil, the orca sightings began sparse and unpredictable.
—Kelso Harper, Scientific American, 16 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kernels
Noun
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While neighboring vineyards resorted to grafting their vines onto pest-resistant American roots, DRC used various intensive strategies to keep its original European vines intact, at least until the 1940s.—
Pin Yen Tan 9 min ago,
CNN Money,
6 Feb. 2026
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In 2017, McRae went back to her YouTube roots and uploaded a video of herself singing an original ballad.—
Janelle Ash,
FOXNews.com,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The new observations show that magnetic fields play a central role in launching and shaping the powerful winds streaming from Arp 220's twin cores.—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
30 Jan. 2026
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Or congested living in its urban cores?—
Jonathan Lansner,
Oc Register,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
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But Canadian superstar Connor McDavid, a three-time NHL MVP, broke America’s hearts in overtime, scoring a championship-clinching goal.—
Sean Gregory,
Time,
26 Jan. 2026
-
Our hearts were and are still broken.—
Hope Hunt,
Baltimore Sun,
26 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Skin care leads the conversation, alongside a growing focus on niche fragrances, refined essences and wellness treatments.—
Rhonda Richford,
Footwear News,
22 Dec. 2025
-
And this year’s lineup is loaded with glow-boosting icons—from milky toners and hydrating essences to overnight masks that make your skin feel like a cloud.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
2 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Kernels.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kernels. Accessed 7 Feb. 2026.
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