Word.ws English Dictionary

Synonyms of kernel

29 similar words · 2 opposite words

Another word for kernel is crux. Other synonyms of kernel are bowels, sum, nub, quintessence and stuff. The opposite of kernel is support.

Synonyms and similar words for kernel

nounThe core, center, or essence of an object or system.

  • cruxThe basic, central, or essential point or feature.
  • gist
  • bowelsThe concept or quality that defines something at its very core.
  • sumA central idea or point; gist.
  • brass tacks
  • core
  • essence
  • drift
  • gutsThe essential, core parts.
  • gravamenThe essence or most important aspect of a piece of writing, a point of argument, etc.; the gist.
  • heartThe centre, essence, or core.
  • heart and soulThe core of a thing; the most essential or important part.
  • marrowThe essence; the best part.
  • meatThe best or most substantial part of something.
  • moral of the storyThe key lesson or message that an incident, situation or other happening conveys; a general takeaway point.
  • nitty-grittyThe core or essence of something; the gist.
  • nubThe essence or core of an issue, argument etc.
  • nuts and boltsThe basic inner workings of something; the fundamentals; that which makes something operate.
  • pith figurativelyThe central or innermost part of something; the core, the heart.
  • punctum saliensStarting point, source; gist.
  • quintessenceThe essence of a thing in its purest and most concentrated form.
  • soul
  • spirit
  • stuff
  • substance
  • tenor
  • heartstring archaicThe essential or vital part of something; the core, the essence, the heart.
  • heartstrings archaicThe essential or vital part of something; the core, the essence, the heart.
  • inwardness obsoleteThe internal or true state; the essential nature.

Opposite of kernel

nounThe central part of many computer operating systems which manages the system's resources and the...

  • userlandA conceptual space outside the kernel in which a user's applications can run without the risk of damage to the...

nounThe set of elements of G which are mapped to the identity of H (usually written as 0 in an additive...

  • supportIn relation to a function, the set of points where the function is not zero; the closure of that set.

Meaning of kernel

  1. noun The core, center, or essence of an object or system.
  2. noun The central (usually edible) part of a nut, especially once the hard shell has been removed.
  3. noun A single seed of grain, especially of corn or wheat.

Full definition of kernel

kernel in other languages

Questions about synonyms of kernel

What is another word for kernel?
Kernel has 29 synonyms on Word.ws, such as crux, bowels, sum, nub, quintessence, stuff, soul and spirit.
What is the opposite of kernel?
The opposite of kernel is support.
What does kernel mean?
Kernel means the core, center, or essence of an object or system.

Source and license

Adapted from Wiktionary: kernel (page history and authors) and the entries of the words listed. Text available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 license. Word.ws grouped the synonyms and antonyms by meaning and added links. Wiktionary data of 2026-09-02.

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Cite this page: “Synonyms of kernel.” Word.ws, https://word.ws/synonyms/kernel. Based on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.