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
In addition to the bacon and sausage, this queso is packed with filling black beans, corn kernels, scallions, cheese, jalapeños, and our favorite, Rotel tomatoes.
—
Josh Miller, Southern Living, 8 Mar. 2026
Additionally, pollination may occur during extreme summer heat, reducing kernels on your cobs.
—Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 5 Mar. 2026
While kernels are often used in beer brewing and pet food, the grain often isn’t used to its fullest potential.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 4 Mar. 2026
Meanwhile, for mojo verde, in the bowl of a food processor combine cilantro, sunflower seed kernels, vinegar, whole garlic, cumin, 1/2 cup olive oil, and the remaining 1/2 cup parsley.
—Chadwick Boyd, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Feb. 2026
Three sisters started Le Prunier by upcycling plum kernels from their family’s century-old organic farm in Northern California.
—Tory Johnson, ABC News, 24 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
Josh Miller, Southern Living, 8 Mar. 2026
Additionally, pollination may occur during extreme summer heat, reducing kernels on your cobs.
—Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 5 Mar. 2026
While kernels are often used in beer brewing and pet food, the grain often isn’t used to its fullest potential.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 4 Mar. 2026
Meanwhile, for mojo verde, in the bowl of a food processor combine cilantro, sunflower seed kernels, vinegar, whole garlic, cumin, 1/2 cup olive oil, and the remaining 1/2 cup parsley.
—Chadwick Boyd, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Feb. 2026
Three sisters started Le Prunier by upcycling plum kernels from their family’s century-old organic farm in Northern California.
—Tory Johnson, ABC News, 24 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kernels
Noun
-
Standing knee-deep in the lo‘i, covered in mud, gently pressing roots into the earth, anchored me in a new way.—
Wassan Al-Khudhairi,
Artforum,
2 Apr. 2026
-
These five artists have combined their Indigenous roots with revolutionary artistic techniques to preserve their cultures in the face of adversity.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
In the first teeny fraction of a second after that expansion started, the densities were far higher than in the cores of stars, higher than in neutron stars—actually, very close to what’s needed to create a black hole!—
Phil Plait,
Scientific American,
27 Mar. 2026
-
The company uses primarily Colorado trees to make the wooden cores of its gear in an effort to make the production process more sustainable while also making a product that is long-lasting.—
Tiney Ricciardi,
Denver Post,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Previously, an English bull terrier Border collie mix was melting hearts on social media.—
Jack Beresford,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Mar. 2026
-
For all the success Duke has had through the years, the Blue Devils have now had hearts broken by UConn three straight times in the Big Dance.—
Noah Trister,
Baltimore Sun,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The in-store assortment includes hair essences and hydrating mists from Narka; PDRN and exosome scalp serums from Lilyeve, plus other offerings from La’dor, Healing Bird, Refilled and Growus, which are all priced under $40 and focus on innovative formats and ingredients.—
Noor Lobad,
Footwear News,
25 Mar. 2026
-
For those whose skin leans on the drier side, year-round, hydration flooding with essences, toners, and ampoules maximizes hydration without adding unwanted heaviness.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
19 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Kernels.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kernels. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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