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.

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 a kernel of truth to Wyle’s fake PSA.

From Salon • Jan. 14, 2026

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

From Slate • Jan. 12, 2026

A central kernel of the premise of “After the Hunt” is that you never know what someone is going through.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 24, 2025

Or would it be devoid of a kernel?

From "Saints and Misfits" by S.K. Ali

Vocabulary lists containing kernel

Words from Shakespearean Insults

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Drama

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"When Cultures Meet"

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