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.

The company’s approach is to form cement into tiny balls, each about the size of a kernel of corn.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 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

Call it a kernel of hope to hold onto as we turn the page.

From Salon • Dec. 17, 2025

This phrase is part of me, and as unlikely as it may seem, there’s a kernel of truth in it.

From "The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank