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
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Recent Examples of kernels
It’s served alongside a slab of cold sweet potato and garnished with hefty kernels of the dent corn called choclo.
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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
Stone-ground grits are made from whole corn kernels and have a coarse texture and a more distinctive flavor.
—Libby Monteith Minor, Southern Living, 14 Dec. 2025
Yet even the most upbeat AI leaders are quick to offer kernels of warning.
—Charlie Campbell, Time, 11 Dec. 2025
Black Oil Sunflower Seed Black oil sunflower seed has very thin shells that weigh less and is easier for birds to break open to get to the oil-rich kernels.
—Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Dec. 2025
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, and sauté the corn kernels for a minute or two.
—Jeffrey Steingarten, Vogue, 23 Nov. 2025
For example, one study used an event camera to count corn kernels on a fast-moving feeder line, demonstrating accurate item counting in a production setting.
—Srishti Gupta, Interesting Engineering, 5 Nov. 2025
Toss the crispy gnocchi with lots of sweet, fresh corn kernels, prepared pesto and a hefty sprinkle of grated cheese, and broil until the cheese gets bubbly, gooey and slightly charred in spots.
—The New York Times News Service Syndicate, Denver Post, 22 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kernels
Noun
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No one could trace the secret roots of Skinny Pedro’s devotion to the world of machines.—
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Leaving stems and leaves intact through winter provides extra insulation to plant roots and crowns and protects plants from cold damage.—
Noun
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Additionally, their cores can (usually) be removed, allowing sealant to be injected through them into tubeless tires.—
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Since then, the plant has produced large volumes of water contaminated with radioactive substances used to cool the reactor cores.—
Noun
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What the museum dream team did not see was the pain in our hearts about this jail.—
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My message this week is about not letting our hearts be troubled, and Jesus is the way.—
Noun
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Skin care leads the conversation, alongside a growing focus on niche fragrances, refined essences and wellness treatments.—
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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.—
Cite this Entry
“Kernels.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kernels. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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