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

From Slate • Jan. 12, 2026

Many of his claims have a kernel of truth to them.

From Salon • Jan. 9, 2026

But first they have to get past a Cornhusker team missing its biggest kernel.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 6, 2025

It held a kernel of something that was confusing for both of us.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama