kernel

[kur-nl] / ˈkɜr nl /

NOUN

seed, essence

Synonyms

STRONGEST

fruit grain meat morsel nut

STRONG

atom bit center core crux germ gist heart hub keynote marrow matter nub nubbin part piece pith root substance upshot

Antonyms

STRONG

exterior exteriority outside periphery surface whole

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

When she came to “Rooster,” she said, Cristle was a conceptual kernel she teased into a labyrinth.

From Salon • May 11, 2026

But they need to find the kernel of truth in the complaints, without explaining them away.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 11, 2026

There’s still a kernel of disbelief that this is his job.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 6, 2026

There is no kernel of truth here: The claims of wrongdoing are fabricated from top to bottom.

From Slate • Jan. 12, 2026

The kernel of truth in Hamilton’s distinction between personal and political criticism of Burr resides here.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis

Vocabulary lists containing kernel

Words from Shakespearean Insults

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Drama

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"When Cultures Meet"

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