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

One key outcome of this approach is the ability to derive exact formulas for kernel functions.

From Science Daily • Jan. 7, 2026

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

From Salon • Dec. 17, 2025

But still, this second view has also, I think, a kernel of truth.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton